Velocity of two equal charges placed by one another

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the final velocity of two identical point charges, each with a charge of 8.5 microcoulombs and a mass of 2.0 grams, when released from a distance of 4.5 meters apart. The initial approach using Coulomb's Law was deemed insufficient, and the recommended method involves applying the principles of Electric Potential and Conservation of Energy. This approach allows for the determination of the velocity as the charges move far apart, ensuring accurate calculations by considering energy transformations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law (F = k(Q1Q2/r^2))
  • Knowledge of Electric Potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with Conservation of Energy principles
  • Basic unit conversions (microcoulombs to coulombs, grams to kilograms)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Electric Potential and its equations
  • Learn about Conservation of Energy in electrostatics
  • Explore unit conversion techniques for charge and mass
  • Practice problems involving forces between charged particles
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in these areas.

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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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