Need help using Coulomb's Law; finding q1 when q2>q1

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    Coulomb's law Law
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two positive point charges, q1 and q2, where q2 is greater than q1. The total charge of the system is given as 64.0 μC, and both charges experience an electrostatic force of 76.0 N at a separation of 0.270 m. The original poster expresses difficulty in determining the value of q1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Coulomb's Law and the need for a second equation to solve for the unknown charges. The original poster reflects on their attempts to find a relation between q1 and q2 and questions the relevance of certain information provided.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the equations necessary to solve the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for a second equation, and the original poster has acknowledged their previous oversight in not including their thought process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential lack of information provided in the lecture regarding the second equation, which may be contributing to the original poster's confusion.

Michael126
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A system consists of two positive point charges, q_1 and q_2 > q_1. The total charge of the system is 64.0 \mu C, and elec each charge experiences antrostatic force of magnitude 76.0 N when the separation between them is 0.270 {\rm m}.

Im having a little trouble determining q1, it must be simple but i just can't see it! arrgh!
 
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the equation used is coulombs law; f= k *q1*q2/ r squared
 
You have a system of two equations and two unknowns. The unknowns are q1 and q2. One equation is Coulomb's Law as you have written it in posting #2. What is the second equation?
 
I realize i should post my work that I've done already...well i decided that both q1 and q2 cannot be equal since all other info would be irrelevant..i tried using the fundamental charge, 1.6*10^-19 as the value for q1 but that doesn't seem to fit, I've been on this problem for about an hour now but i can't seem to see the relation between the two..i apologize about my original post that didnt include my thinking process
 
i'm not sure we were given a second equation in lecture...maybe that's why I am not understanding haha
 
The second equation is stated in the problem. Read the problem statement carefully.
 
I just got it man, thank you!
 

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