Hi. I need help solving this problem. I\'ve tried but I can\'t seem to get the r

ID: 1517318 • Letter: H

Question

Hi. I need help solving this problem. I've tried but I can't seem to get the right answer for any of the parts.

Two point charges totaling 5.5 microCoulombs exert a repulsive force 0.065 N on each other when separated by 0.55 m.

1. What is the charge on the larger of the two charges?

2. What is the charge on the smaller of the two charges?

3. What is the charge on the larger charge (in magnitude) if the force is attractive?

4. What is the charge on the smaller charge (in magnitude) if the force is attractive?

Thank you so much in advance!

if force is repulsive the both charges are positive.

Q1 + Q2 = 5.5 uC

kQ1*Q2/d^2 = 0.065

9*10^9*Q1*(5.5 - Q1)/(0.55)^2 = 0.065

Q1*(5.5 - Q1) = 0.065*(0.55)^2/(9*10^9) = 2.1847*10^(-12)

both charges are in micro. so

Q1*(5.5 - Q1) = 2.1847

Q1 = 0.43 uC and Q2 = 5.07 uC

if force is attractive then one charge in negative and another is positive.

Q1 - Q2 = 5.5 uC

kQ1*Q2/d^2 = 0.065

9*10^9*Q1*(Q1 + 5.5)/(0.55)^2 = 0.065

Q1*(Q1 + 5.5) = 0.065*(0.55)^2/(9*10^9) = 2.1847*10^(-12)

both charges are in micro. so

Q1*(Q1 + 5.5) = 2.1847

Q1 = - 0.37 uC and Q2 = 5.87 uC

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