Objects A and B are both positively charged. Both have a mass of 400g , but A ha

Question

Objects A and B are both positively charged. Both have a mass of 400g , but A has twice the charge of B. When A and B are placed 25cm apart, B experiences an electric force of 0.54N . What is the charge on A? If the objects are released, what is the initial acceleration of A?

Explanation / Answer

You can't answer this question because there is no assumption made based on the geometry of the "objects"... ...the question wants you to assume "circular" geometry (meaning that assuming the distance is much greater than the geometry (i.e. the size) of each object then you can treat them as point particles). Using SI units: 200g = .2kg 10cm = .1 m Assuming you are using k (Coulomb's constant): F = kq1q2/r² q2 = 2 * q1 --> F = 2kq1²/r² --> .5 = 2kq1²/(.1)² --> q1² = (.5 / (2k)) * (.1)² The force on A is the same as the force on B, the charge of A is given by q2 and the charge on B is given by q1. So you can get q1 by taking the square root of the above, then q2 by doubling that value. Notice that there are TWO solutions, one where q1, q2 are positive and one where q1, q2 are negative

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