Question

(a) Two point charges totaling 8.50 µC exert a repulsive force of 0.200 N on one another when separated by 0.444 m. What is the charge (in µC) on each? smallest charge µC largest charge µC (b) What is the charge (in µC) on each if the force is attractive? smallest charge µC largest charge µC

Answer 1

Part (a):  Suppose the smallest charge is q₁ and largest charge is q₂. The sum of these charges is,

  

The distance between them is d = 0.444 m and repulsive force is F = 0.200 N. As the force is repulsive so both charges are of same type of charges.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

As q₁ is smallest charge. Therefore,

  

The largest charge is,

  

Part (b):  If the force is attractive, then the charges are of opposite signs. Therefore,

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

As q₁ is smallest charge and of negative sign. Therefore,

  

The largest charge q₂ is,