Two charges Q1 and Q2 are separated by an unknown distance. They exert a force of 7.6 N on each other. Q1 is 4.4mu*C and Q2 is 5.5 µC. How far apart are the charges in meters?
To find the distance between the charges, we can use Coulomb's law formula:
F = k * |Q1 * Q2| / r^2
Where:
F = 7.6 N
k = Coulomb's constant = 9 x 10^9 N m^2/C^2
Q1 = 4.4 x 10^-6 C
Q2 = 5.5 x 10^-6 C
r = distance between the charges
Plugging in the values:
7.6 = (9 x 10^9) * |4.4 x 10^-6 * 5.5 x 10^-6| / r^2
7.6 = (9 x 10^9) * (4.4 x 10^-6 * 5.5 x 10^-6) / r^2
7.6 = 2178 x 10^-15 / r^2
r^2 = 2178 x 10^-15 / 7.6
r^2 = 286579.639
r = sqrt(286579.639)
r = 535.6 x 10^-3
r = 0.5356 meters
Therefore, the distance between the charges is approximately 0.5356 meters.