What would the slope of the force between 2 charged particles vs 1/r^2 give me?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding the slope of the force between two charged particles plotted against the inverse square of the distance (1/r²). Participants emphasize the importance of correctly identifying the units for both axes in the graph to accurately interpret the slope. The gradient, defined as Δy/Δx, is crucial for determining the relationship between force and distance in electrostatics. Clarifying the units for force (Newtons) and distance (meters) is essential for proper analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electrostatic force
  • Familiarity with graphing concepts and slope calculations
  • Knowledge of units in physics, specifically Newtons and meters
  • Basic skills in interpreting mathematical relationships in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Coulomb's Law on force and distance relationships
  • Learn about dimensional analysis to understand unit conversions
  • Explore graphing techniques for physics data representation
  • Study the concept of gradients in mathematical functions
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the mathematical representation of electrostatic forces and their implications in physical systems.

dannolul
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Homework Statement
A lab was performed by taking 2 charged particles at varying distances and measuring the force between them. (Dry data, and a graph of Fe vs 1/r^2 have been given.) Assume the charges are equal of magnitude. using the slope of the line and the value of coulomb's constant constant, calculate for the charge on one particle
Relevant Equations
Fe=(kq1q2)/(r^2)
I can get the slope of the line, but then I dont know what the slope is (units or whatever it is) then i get lost from there.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What did you plot on the ##y## axis and in what units? What did you plot on the ##x## axis and in what units? If the gradient of a ##y##-versus-##x## plot is ##\Delta y/\Delta x## then can you determine the units in this case?
 

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