Two charges, Q1 and Q2, are initially held apart by a distance of d, so that the

Question

Two charges, Q1 and Q2, are initially held apart by a distance of d, so that the electrostatic force between them has a magnitude of F. The charges are then moved so that the distance between them is 10.0 cm. With this new separation distance, the electrostatic force between the charges has a magnitude of 100xF.

a. What was the value of the original separation distance, d?

b. Now, assume Q1 = 5 microCoulombs, Q2 = 10 microCoulombs, and that Q1 has a mass of m1=45 g. If Q1 is released while Q2 is held fixed in place (still separated by 10.0 cm), what acceleration does Q1 experience in the instant that it is released?

Explanation / Answer

We know that Electrostatic force F = kQ1*Q2/d2

when distance d = 10.0 cm = 0.1 m

then F1 = kQ1*Q2/.12 =100F

hence d = 1 metre ........Ans.

(b) F = 9x10^9*5x10^-6*10x10^-6/0.01 = 45 N

we know that F= ma

45 N = 45/1000*a

a = 1000 m/s2 ........Ans.

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