Two identical spheres each carry a charge of -40.0 µC.The spheres are separated by a distance of 1.00 m.What is the electric force between the spheres? (k_e = 8.99 x 10⁹ N·m²/C²)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Coulomb's law, the electric force between the spheres can be calculated:
$$F=\frac{kq_1q_2}{r^2}$$
where k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges on the spheres, and r is the distance between the centers of the spheres. 
Plugging in the given values, we get:
$$F=\frac{(8.99	imes 10^9 N\cdot m^2/C^2)(-40.0	imes10^{-6} C)(-40.0	imes10^{-6} C)}{(1.00m)^2}$$
Simplifying this expression, we get:
$$F=14.4N$$
Since both spheres carry the same charge, they repel each other and the force is repulsive. Therefore, the best choice is B, 14.4 N (repulsive).

Two Identical Spheres Each Carry a Charge of -40