Solving for Two Point Charges Using Electric Field Lines and Homework Equations

[Rastamonstah]

Homework Statement

Two point charges that are 0.600m apart experience a repulsive force of 0.400N. Sum of the two charges equal 1.00 x 10^-5 C. Find the values of the two charges

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

My only reference on how to start on this problem is the section of my textbook on Electric Field lines, the textbook outlines the steps on how to get the strength of a field from its field lines, the formula given is completely unrelated to this problem given so i don't know how to start. I don't need an answer i'd just like some help on starting on it.

 

[gneill]

Homework Statement

Two point charges that are 0.600m apart experience a repulsive force of 0.400N. Sum of the two charges equal 1.00 x 10^-5 C. Find the values of the two charges

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

My only reference on how to start on this problem is the section of my textbook on Electric Field lines, the textbook outlines the steps on how to get the strength of a field from its field lines, the formula given is completely unrelated to this problem given so i don't know how to start. I don't need an answer i'd just like some help on starting on it.

Surely your text must supply the basic formula for the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law)?

 

[Rastamonstah]

Surely your text must supply the basic formula for the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law)?

Yes F= k (q)(q')/r^2


Would i rearrange this equation to find the solution?

 

[gneill]

Yes F= k (q)(q')/r^2


Would i rearrange this equation to find the solution?

Yes, but you have two unknowns: q and q'. So what does that tell you?

 

[Rastamonstah]

Yes, but you have two unknowns: q and q'. So what does that tell you?

Does that mean i need to set one variable to zero and solve for the other?

 

[TheTank]

No then you would be cheating nature. When u have an equation with 2 unkowns, u need 2 equations to solve. If u have 3 unkowns, u need 3 equations etc...

 

[Rastamonstah]

No then you would be cheating nature. When u have an equation with 2 unkowns, u need 2 equations to solve. If u have 3 unkowns, u need 3 equations etc...

Okay that makes sense, how would i go about setting up these two equations? Am i using Columbs Law twice? Sorry for my ignorance but i haven't been able to grasp much from my lecture.

 

[TheTank]

No, the second equation is q + q' = 10^-5 C..