Question

A charge of `2 C` is at `(-3 ,7)` and a charge of `3 C` is at `( -3 ,5 )`. If both coordinates are in meters, what is the force between the charges?

Answer 1

Force between charges is `1.35⋅10^10` Newton

Explanation:

As the charges (2C and 3C) are at (−3,7) and at (−3,5) respectively, distance between the two is 2 meters (`x` coordinate being same, it is difference in `y` coordinates).

The force between two charges `C_1` and `C_2` is given by `k*(C_1*C_2)/d^2`, where `k` is Coulomb's law constant for the medium between the charges and for air it is `9*10^9 Nm^2/C^2`, where charge is in Coulomb and distance in meters.

As such Force will be given by

`(9*2*3)/(2^2)*10^9` or `13.5*10^9` or `1.35*10^10` Newton.