A negative charge of - 2.0 C and a positive charge of 3.0 C are separated by 80 m. What is the force between the two charges?

Answer: - 8.4 x 10^6N

Explanation:

Given that,

negative charge (q1) = - 2.0C

positive charge (q2) = 3.0C

Distance between charges (r) = 80 m

force between the two charges (F) = ?

Apply the formula for

F = (kq1q2) / r^2

Recall that k is Coulomb's constant with a value of 9 * 10^9 Nm2C-2

Then,

F = (9 * 10^9 Nm2C-2 x - 2.0C x 3.0C) / (80m) ^2

F = (-5.4 x 10^10) / (6400m) ^2

F = - 8437500N

Place result in standard form

F = - 8.4 x 10^6N

Thus, the force between the two charges is - 8.4 x 10^6 newton