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macaco
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Homework Statement
5 point charges;
q1; charge = +q distance = d
q2; charge = +2q distance = 3d
q3; charge = -3q distance = 2d
q4; charge = -4q distance = 3d
q5; charge = -5q distance = 2d
are placed in the vicinity of an insulating spherical shell with a charge (+Q), distributed uniformly over its surface.
Rank the point charges in order of the increasing magnitude of force exerted on them by the sphere. Indicate all ties where appropriate. Show all calculations of force.
Homework Equations
Coulomb's law;
F= K (q1)(q2)
---------
r^2
The Attempt at a Solution
I've applied coulomb's law to each of the charges, substituting each of the values in;
q1=> F= K Qq
-----
d^2
q2=> F= K 2Qq
------
3d^2
q3=> F= K -3Qq
------
4d^2
q4=> F= K -4Qq
------
9d^2
q5=> F= K -5Qq
-------
4d^2
I'm still not sure how to rank the equations after I've substituted the values?
I.e.- How do I tell which is higher when I have no numerical value for each?
should I be solving the equations somehow?
Any help much appreciated