How Many Electrons Generate the Charge in Coulomb's Law Problem?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a Coulomb's Law problem involving two spherical objects separated by 1.98 x 10-3 m, each acquiring a negative charge resulting in an electrostatic force of 4.19 x 10-21 N. Using Coulomb's Law (F = k q1q2/r2), the user calculated the charge (q) to be approximately 1.3517 x 10-18 C. Dividing this charge by the elementary charge (e = -1.602 x 10-19 C), the user determined that approximately 8.44 electrons were required to produce the charge. Despite repeated calculations yielding the same result, the user expressed uncertainty about the correctness of their answer.

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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering electrostatics and Coulomb's Law applications in problem-solving scenarios.

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Homework Statement



Two spherical objects are separated by a distance of 1.98 x 10-3 m. The objects are initially electrically neutral and are very small compared to the distance between them. Each object acquires the same negative charge due to the addition of electrons. As a result, each object experiences an electrostatic force that has a magnitude of 4.19 x 10-21 N. How many electrons did it take to produce the charge on one of the objects?

Homework Equations



F = k q1q2/r^2

N= Q/e

k = 8.99E9 nm^2/c^2
e= -1.602E-19C


The Attempt at a Solution



I used coulomb's law and plugged in the Force as 4.19E-21N, boltsmans constant for k and 1.98E-3m as the r^2.

4.19E-21N = (8.99E9Nm^2/C^2)(q^2)/(1.98E-3)^2
1.642E-26N/m^2 = (8.99E9Nm^2/C^2)(q^2)
q = sqrt(1.82719E-36)
q= 1.3517E-18C

N= Q/e
N= (-1.3517E-18C)/(-1.602E-19C)
N= 8.43781 electrons

I've done this over and over and get the same answer but it tells me I'm wrong and I'm not sure what else to try :/
 
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I got the same thing independently. Looks like there is an error in the question.
 
Thanks for your help, It's good to know I'm not crazy hah
 

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