An electric field is generated by a charge imbalance and the field is expressed by
Coulomb’s Law. What is the value (and UNITS) of the proportionality constant in
Coulomb’s law?
8.99*10^9 newtons/[(coulomb)^2*(meter)^2]
The value of the proportionality constant in Coulomb's Law is represented by the symbol "k" and is known as the Coulomb's constant. It is denoted by the equation:
F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2
Where:
F is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between two charges q1 and q2,
r is the distance between the charges, and
k is the proportionality constant.
The value of Coulomb's constant is approximately 8.99 × 10^9 N * m^2 / C^2.
The SI units for Coulomb's constant are Newton meter squared per Coulomb squared (N * m^2 / C^2). This unit is derived from the units of force (Newton), distance (meter), and charge (Coulomb).