Two objects are identical and small enough that their sizes can be ignored relat

Question

Two objects are identical and small enough that their sizes can be ignored relative to the distance between them, which is 0.17 m. In a vacuum, each object carries a different charge, and they attract each other with a force of 2.4 N. The objects are brought into contact, so the net charge is shared equally, and then they are returned to their initial positions. Now it is found that the objects repel one another with a force whose magnitude is equal to that of the initial attractive force. What is the initial charge on each object?

Explanation / Answer

initially the attractive force is

f=2.4N

and distance between them d=.17m

let one charge be q1 and other be q2

and since the force is attractive so let q2 be negative charge

f=K*q1*q2/d^2 where K=9*10^9 Nm^2/col^2

=>q1*q2=2.4*.17^2/9*10^9=7.7067*10^-12----(1)

next when the charges are equal then the charge on each is q1+q2/2

Frepulsive=2.4N=K(q1+q2)^2/4*d^2

=>q1+q2=(2.4*.17^2*4/9*10^9)=5.552*10^-6---(2)

solving eqn 1 and eqn 2 we get

q1=2.76*10^-6C

q2=-2.76*10^-6C

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