Question

Question #1425d

Answer 1

`F = k(Q_1Q_2)/r^2`

Explanation:

Assuming the "look" is pertaining to the formula, the force acting on a charge `Q_1` in the presence of another charge `Q_2` is proportional to the the product of the charges `Q_1*Q_2` and the distance separating them squared.

`F ~~ (Q_1Q_2)/r^2`

Hence,

`F = k(Q_1Q_2)/r^2`

k is the force (Columb's) constant: `9 xx 10^9 (Nm^2)/C^2`

If you were `Q_2` you would feel that `Q_1` is tugging on you with invisible hands toward it provided it has an opposite charge than yours. Otherwise, you would feel being pushed away directly from `Q_1`. Now switch role, you are now `Q_1`...

So Coulomb's law also says that there are two forces, one acting on each charge body, have the same strength but in the opposite directions. (That's because of Newton's 3rd Law.) Can you see what the law look like now?

In the presence multiple charges, say 5 charges, what is the total force acting on any one of the charges then? Each charge sees the presence of 4 others, meaning there are 4 possible pairings that contribute to the forces. Each charge thus experiences 4 forces, tugging or pushing it.

Hope you can see and feel the force now.