Final answer:
The charge q can be found using the formula q = V * r / k, with V being the potential, r the distance from the charge, and k Coulomb's constant. For a potential of 5.00 x 10^2 V at a distance of 15 cm, the magnitude of the charge q is calculated. The sign of q depends on the direction of the electric field.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the charge q based on the electric potential provided, we can use the formula for the electric potential due to a point charge:
V = k * q / r
Where V is the electric potential, k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 109 N*m2/C2), q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge. Rearranging the formula to solve for q gives us:
q = V * r / k
You mentioned a potential of 5.00 x 102 V at a distance of 15 cm (0.15 m). Plugging in the values we get:
q = (5.00 x 102 V) * (0.15 m) / (8.99 x 109 N*m2/C2)
Calculating this gives us the magnitude of the charge. To define the sign of the charge, we would need to know the direction of the electric field the potential creates. However, since only magnitude is asked, the sign can be positive or negative depending on the context of the problem, usually assumed positive if not specified otherwise.