Question

Two tiny conducting spheres are identical and carry charges of -18.4 µC and +53.0 µC. They are separated by a distance of 2.73 cm. (a) What is the magnitude of the force that each sphere experiences, and is the force attractive or repulsive?

Answer 1

Answer:

-11776.36 N

This force is attractive since both charges are of opposite sign

Explanation:

Given that

$q_1=-18.4\mu C=-18.4\times 10^{-6}C\ and\\\ q_2=53\mu C=53\times 10^{-6}C$

Distance between the spheres = 2.73 cm =0.0273 m

where K is Coulomb's constant = $9.10^ 9 [N.m^2 /C^2]$

According to coulombs law we know that force between two charges is given by

$F = \frac{kq_1q_2}{r^2}$

$F = \frac{(9\times10^9)\times (-18.4 \times 10^-^6)(53 \times 10^-^6}{0.0273^2)} \\= -11776.36N$

This force is attractive since both charges are of opposite sign