How does the electric force between two objects depend on their charges?
The electric force between two objects depends on the magnitude of their charges and the distance between them. This relationship is described by Coulomb's law, which states that the electric force, F, is directly proportional to the product of the charges, q1 and q2, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance, r, between the objects.
Mathematically, Coulomb's law can be expressed as:
F = (k * q1 * q2) / r^2
Where F is the electric force, k is the electrostatic constant (approximately 9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between the charges.
To determine the electric force between two objects, follow these steps:
1. Determine the magnitudes of the charges: Identify the charges of the two objects and determine their magnitudes. The charges can be positive or negative.
2. Measure the distance between the objects: Use a ruler, measuring tape, or any suitable measuring tool to determine the distance separating the two objects. Make sure to measure in meters for the standard SI unit.
3. Plug the values into Coulomb's law equation: Substitute the values of the charges and distance into the equation F = (k * q1 * q2) / r^2.
4. Calculate the electric force: Use a calculator or perform the necessary computations to calculate the electric force between the two objects.
Finally, keep in mind that the direction of the electric force depends on the charges. Charges of the same sign (positive or negative) repel each other, while charges of opposite sign attract each other.