Two identical spheres each carry a charge of −47.1 µC.The spheres are separated by a distance of 1.74 m.What is the electric force between the spheres? (k_e = 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric force between two charges can be calculated using the Coulomb's Law which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

F = k * (q1 * q2) / d^2

where
F = electric force
k = Coulomb's constant = 8.99 × 10^9 N·m^2/C^2
q1 and q2 are the charges
d is the distance between the charges

Substituting the given values, we get

F = 8.99 × 10^9 * (-47.1*10^-6)^2 / (1.74)^2
F = 6.6 N

Since the charges are identical, they will repel each other. Therefore, the answer is (B) 6.6 N (repulsive).

Two Identical Spheres Each Carry a Charge of −47