There are two identical small metal spheres

with charges 22.8 µC and - 16.7668 µC. The

distance between them is 6 cm. The spheres

are placed in contact then set at their original

distance.

Calculate the magnitude of the force between the two spheres at the final position. The value of the Coulomb constant

is 8.98755 * 10^9

Answer in units of N.

Answer: - 954.4N

Explanation:

Given that,

Positive charge (q1) = 22.8 µC

22.8 µC = 22.8 x 10^-6C

Negative charge (q2) = - 16.7668 µC

-16.7668 µC = - 16.7668 x 10^-6C

Distance between charges (r) = 6cm

convert centimetres to metres

100cm = 1m

6cm = (6/100) = 0.06m

force between the two charges (F) = ?

Recall that k is Coulomb's constant with a value of 8.98755 * 10^9 Nm2C-2

So, apply the formula for F = (kq1q2) / r²

F = (8.98755 * 10^9 Nm2C-2 x 22.8 x 10^-6C x - 16.7668 x 10^-6C) / (0.06m) ²

F = (-3440.55 x 10^-3Nm²) / 0.0036m²

F = (-3440.55 x 10^-3Nm²) / 3.6 x 10^-3m²

F = - 954.4N

Thus, the magnitude of the force between the two spheres is - 954.4 Newton.