Math Problem Statement

Two spheres with charges of +6.00×10−6 C+6.00×10−6 C and −5.0×10−6 C−5.0×10−6 C attract each other with a force of 7.0×10−27.0×10−2 Newton.  

r = k∣q1q2∣F−−−−−√r = k∣q1q2∣F

Determine the separation distance between the two objects.

A.3.86 m3.86 m

B.1.96 m1.96 m

C.5.00 m5.00 m

D.2.99 m2.99 m

Solution

To determine the separation distance between the two charged spheres, we can use Coulomb's Law, which is given by:

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

Where:

  • FF is the force between the charges (given as 7.0×1027.0 \times 10^{-2} N),
  • kk is Coulomb's constant, k=8.99×109N m2/C2k = 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2,
  • q1q_1 and q2q_2 are the charges of the spheres (given as q1=6.00×106q_1 = 6.00 \times 10^{-6} C and q2=5.0×106q_2 = -5.0 \times 10^{-6} C),
  • rr is the separation distance between the charges (this is what we are solving for).

Rearranging the equation to solve for rr:

r=kq1q2Fr = \sqrt{\frac{k |q_1 q_2|}{F}}

Substitute the known values:

r=(8.99×109)×(6.00×106)×(5.0×106)7.0×102r = \sqrt{\frac{(8.99 \times 10^9) \times (6.00 \times 10^{-6}) \times (5.0 \times 10^{-6})}{7.0 \times 10^{-2}}}

Now let's calculate:

r=(8.99×109)×(30.0×1012)7.0×102r = \sqrt{\frac{(8.99 \times 10^9) \times (30.0 \times 10^{-12})}{7.0 \times 10^{-2}}}

r=269.7×1037.0×102r = \sqrt{\frac{269.7 \times 10^{-3}}{7.0 \times 10^{-2}}}

r=3.856m2r = \sqrt{3.856 \, \text{m}^2}

r1.96mr \approx 1.96 \, \text{m}

Thus, the separation distance between the two objects is approximately 1.96 m.

The correct answer is B. 1.96 m.


Would you like more details on Coulomb's Law or any other questions? Here are a few related topics to explore:

  1. What is the relationship between Coulomb's Law and electric fields?
  2. How does Coulomb's Law explain the attraction and repulsion between charged objects?
  3. How does the magnitude of charge affect the force between two objects?
  4. What are the units of electric charge and how are they defined?
  5. How can Coulomb's Law be applied in different contexts like electrostatics and capacitors?

Tip: When using Coulomb's Law, always ensure that the charges are in Coulombs and the distance is in meters to maintain consistent SI units.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coulomb's Law
Square Root Calculation
Electrostatics

Formulas

F = k |q1 q2| / r^2
r = sqrt(k |q1 q2| / F)

Theorems

Coulomb's Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12