Solving Electrostatic Force Problems: Emergency HW Help

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The discussion focuses on solving electrostatic force problems involving charged sugar grains and hot-air balloons. For the sugar grains, each grain has a charge of 3.0x10^-11 C and is separated by 8.0x10^-5 m, requiring the application of Coulomb's law to find the electrostatic force. The second problem involves two hot-air balloons, each with a charge of 3.0x10^-5 C, and an electrostatic force of 8.1x10^-2 N, where the distance between them needs to be calculated. Participants are encouraged to identify given quantities and apply algebra to solve for the unknowns using the formula for electrostatic force. Understanding and applying Coulomb's law is essential for solving these types of problems effectively.
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Homework Statement


When sugar is poured from the box into the sugar bowl, the rubbing of sugar creates a static electric charge that repels the grains. If each of two sugar grains acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 11th power) at a separation of 8.0x10(to the negative 5th power)


Homework Equations


electrostatic force= (electrostatic constant)(charge 1)(charge 2)/(distance)(2nd power)



AND



Homework Statement


Each of two hot-air balloons acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 5th)C on its surface as it travels through the air. How far apart are the balloons if the electrostatic force between them is 8.1x10(to the negative 2nd)N?


I have no idea how to do this :( please help
 
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raikchuuyl said:

Homework Statement


when sugar is poured from the box into the sugar bowl, the rubbing of sugar creates a static electric charge that repels the grains. If each of two sugar grains acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 11th power) at a separation of 8.0x10(to the negative 5th power)


Homework Equations


electrostatic force= (electrostatic constant)(charge 1)(charge 2)/(distance)(2nd power)



and



Homework Statement


each of two hot-air balloons acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 5th)c on its surface as it travels through the air. How far apart are the balloons if the electrostatic force between them is 8.1x10(to the negative 2nd)n?


i have no idea how to do this :( please help
ahhhhhh :(
 
Look carefully at Coulomb's law:

\left|\vec{F}_{elec}\right|=\frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}}\frac{q_{1}q_{2}}{r^{2}}

Just identify the given quantities with the variables in each problem and do some algebra to solve for the unknown.
 
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