Two very small spheres are initially neutral and separated by a distance of 0.66 m. Suppose that 5.7 * 1013 electrons are removed from one sphere and placed on the other. (a) What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force that acts on each sphere? (b) Is the force attractive or repulsive?

1.718 N, attractive

Explanation:

r = 0.66 m, n = 5.7 x 10^13

q1 = 5.7 x 10^13 x 1.6 x 10^-19 = 9.12 x 10^-6 C

q2 = - 5.7 x 10^13 x 1.6 x 10^-19 = - 9.12 x 10^-6 C

F = K q1 q2 / r^2

F = 9 x 10^9 x 9.12 x 10^-6 x 9.12 x 10^-6 / (0.66) ^2

F = 1.718 N

As both the charges are opposite in nature, so the force between them is attractive.