Question

Two balloons are charged with an identical quantity and type of charge:-4 nC. They are held apart at a separation distance of 70 cm. Determine the magnitude of the electrical force of repulsion between them.

Answer 1

`2.9\cdot 10^(-7)N`

Step-by-step explanation:

The electrostatic force between the two balloons is given by:

`F=k(q_1 q_2)/(r^2)`

where

`k=9\cdot 10^9 Nm^2 C^(-2)` is the Coulomb's constant

`q_1=q_2=-4 nC=-4\cdot 10^(-9)C` is the charge on each balloon

`r=70 cm=0.7 m` is the distance between the balloons

Substituting into the formula, we find

`F=(9\cdot 10^9 Nm^2C^(-2))((-4\cdot 10^(-9)C)^2)/((0.70 m)^2)=2.9\cdot 10^(-7)N`