Question

Calculate magnitude and direction of the force between a 1.4 X 10 -3 C charge and a 9.1 X 10 -4 charge when they are separated by 4.8 m.

Answer 1

The magnitude and direction of the force between the two charges is 497.66 N in opposite direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Charge 1 (q₁) = 1.4×10¯³ C

Charge 2 (q₂) = 9.1×20¯⁴ C

Distance apart (r) = 4.8 m

Force (F) =?

NOTE: Electric constant (K) = 9×10⁹ Nm²/C²

The magnitude of the force between the two charges can be obtained as follow:

F = Kq₁q₂ / r²

F = 9×10⁹ × 1.4×10¯³ × 9.1×20¯⁴ / 4.8²

F = 11466 / 23.04

F = 497.66 N

Thus, the magnitude of the force is 497.66 N.

Since both charges has the same sign (i.e they both positive), the force between them will be a force of repulsion. Hence the force will be in opposite direction.