Question

Calculate the charge on two identical spheres that are similarly charged if they are separated by 20cm and the electrostatic force between them is 0.006 N.

Answer 1

`Q = 21.09 * 10^(-8) C`

Step-by-step explanation:

We know from theory that the magnitude of the force between two charges is measured by the expression

`F=\frac1{4\pi\epsilon} (Qq)/(r^2)`

We know that two spheres have the same charge, and let's assume they're in a vacuum, so
`\epsilon = \epsilon_0 =8.85*10^(-12) C^2/Nm^2`

At this point we can solve for Q

`Q^2 = 4\pi\epsilon F r^2 = 4\pi * (8.85 * 10^-12)* (6* 10^-3) * (2 * 10^-1)^2 = 444.624 * 10^(-17) = 4446.24* 10^-16 C^2 \rightarrow Q = 21.09 * 10^(-8) C`

Double check calculations for safety, as usual