Question

Two 1.0 kg masses are 1.0 m apart (center to center) on a frictionless table. Each has a +10μC of charge. a) What is the magnitude of the electric force on one of the masses? b) What is the initial acceleration of one of the masses if it is released and allowed to move?

Answer 1

Answer:

(a). The electric force is 0.9 N.

(b). The acceleration is 0.9 m/s²

Explanation:

Given that,

Mass = 1.0 kg

Distance = 1.0 m

Charge = 10 μC

(a). We need to calculate the electric force

Using formula of electric force

$F = \dfrac{kq_{1}q_{2}}{r^2}$

Put the value into the formula

$F=\dfrac{9\times10^{9}\times10\times10^{-6}\times10\times10^{-6}}{1.0^2}$

$F=0.9\ N$

(b). We need to calculate the acceleration

Using newton's second law

$F = ma$

$a =\dfrac{F}{m}$

Put the value into the formula

$a=\dfrac{0.9}{1.0}$

$a=0.9\ m/s^2$

Hence, (a). The electric force is 0.9 N.

(b). The acceleration is 0.9 m/s²