Velocity of two equal charges placed by one another

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Two identical point charges of 8.5 microcoulombs, initially 4.5 meters apart and at rest, will move apart due to their mutual repulsion. The force between them can be calculated using Coulomb's law, but translating this force into velocity requires additional steps. It is recommended to approach the problem using the concepts of electric potential and conservation of energy for a more straightforward solution. The units for charge and mass are crucial for accurate calculations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of including units and suggests an alternative method for solving the problem.
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Homework Statement


Two identical 8.5 point charges are initially 4.5 from each other.

If they are released at the same instant from rest, how fast will each be moving when they are very far away from each other? Assume they have identical masses of 2.0 .


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I can calculate the force they will exert on each other at this distance using coulombs law F=k(Q1Q2/r^2) but I don't know how to translate this to velocity. help me, I'm so bad a physics!
 
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tcbarr said:

Homework Statement


Two identical 8.5 point charges are initially 4.5 from each other.

If they are released at the same instant from rest, how fast will each be moving when they are very far away from each other? Assume they have identical masses of 2.0 .

The Attempt at a Solution


So I can calculate the force they will exert on each other at this distance using coulombs law F=k(Q1Q2/r^2) but I don't know how to translate this to velocity. help me, I'm so bad a physics!
Hello tcbarr. Welcome to PF.

You need to include the units that go with all of those numbers! It's impossible to solve this problem without them.

Rather than solving this using the Coulomb Force, I suggest you solve it using Electric Potential and Conservation of Energy.
 
Thanks! I just copied and pasted the question didn't realize that they got droped. charges were micro coulombs and mass was grams. I'll try it in a bit using Electrical potential and conservation.
 
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