A 6.2 μC charge is placed at the origin and a second charge is placed on the x-axis at x = 0.1 m.If the resulting force on the second charge is 5.2 N in the positive x-direction,what is the value of its charge?

Question

A 6.2 μC charge is placed at the origin and a second charge is placed on the x-axis at x = 0.1 m.If the resulting force on the second charge is 5.2 N in the positive x-direction,what is the value of its charge?
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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use Coulomb's law to find the magnitude of the second charge. Since the force on the second charge is in the positive x-direction, we know that the second charge must be negative. Setting up Coulomb's law:

F = k(q1q2)/r^2

F = 5.2 N, q1 = 6.2 μC, r = 0.1 m

Solving for q2:

q2 = F*r^2/(k*q1) = (5.2 N)*(0.1 m)^2/(9*10^9 N*m^2/C^2 * 6.2 μC) = -0.9 μC

Therefore, the answer is A) 0.9 μC

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