Math Problem Statement

Determine the electrical force of attraction between two balloons with separate charges of 0.0005 C and -0.0008C when separated a distance of 2.5 m. Use 8.99x10^9 for k.

Solution

To calculate the electrical force of attraction between two charges, we use Coulomb's Law:

F=kq1q2r2F = k \cdot \frac{|q_1 \cdot q_2|}{r^2}

Where:

  • FF is the electrical force,
  • k=8.99×109N\cdotpm2/C2k = 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N·m}^2/\text{C}^2 (Coulomb's constant),
  • q1q_1 and q2q_2 are the charges in coulombs,
  • rr is the distance between the charges in meters.

Given:

  • q1=0.0005Cq_1 = 0.0005 \, \text{C},
  • q2=0.0008Cq_2 = -0.0008 \, \text{C} (magnitude only since force is scalar for attraction),
  • r=2.5mr = 2.5 \, \text{m},
  • k=8.99×109k = 8.99 \times 10^9.

Substitution:

F=(8.99×109)0.00050.00082.52F = (8.99 \times 10^9) \cdot \frac{|0.0005 \cdot -0.0008|}{2.5^2}

  1. Multiply q1q_1 and q2q_2: 0.00050.0008=4×1070.0005 \cdot 0.0008 = 4 \times 10^{-7}

  2. Calculate r2r^2: 2.52=6.252.5^2 = 6.25

  3. Plug values into Coulomb’s Law: F=(8.99×109)4×1076.25F = (8.99 \times 10^9) \cdot \frac{4 \times 10^{-7}}{6.25}

  4. Simplify the fraction: 4×1076.25=6.4×108\frac{4 \times 10^{-7}}{6.25} = 6.4 \times 10^{-8}

  5. Final calculation: F=(8.99×109)6.4×108F = (8.99 \times 10^9) \cdot 6.4 \times 10^{-8}

F=575.36NF = 575.36 \, \text{N}

Final Answer:

The electrical force of attraction between the two balloons is approximately 575.36 N.


Would you like further clarification or detailed breakdowns of any part?

Relative Questions:

  1. How does the distance between charges affect the force of attraction?
  2. What would happen to the force if one charge were doubled?
  3. Why does Coulomb's Law use the absolute value of charges?
  4. What is the significance of the sign of the charges in attraction vs. repulsion?
  5. How would the force change if the medium were not air but water?

Tip:

Always square the distance in Coulomb’s Law, as this significantly impacts the magnitude of the force!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electrostatics
Coulomb's Law
Electric Force

Formulas

Coulomb's Law: F = k * |q1 * q2| / r^2

Theorems

Coulomb's Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12