We say electrical charges that are opposite attract and like charges repel.
The correct terminology however, is that a force is exerted on each object with charge. That means this force can be measured. This also means there must be a relationship between the force that is exerted on the charges and the displacement between them
Interactive
Similar to the animation on Law of Gravitation, this pHET animation allows you to explore Coulomb's law. Can you determine the relationship between the charges and distance on the force experienced?
As a useful exercise. Keep the charges the same. Vary the distances, recording both the distance and forces being exerted.
Graph the results. You could attempt to linearise the data to determine the relationship
The correct terminology however, is that a force is exerted on each object with charge. That means this force can be measured. This also means there must be a relationship between the force that is exerted on the charges and the displacement between them
Interactive
Similar to the animation on Law of Gravitation, this pHET animation allows you to explore Coulomb's law. Can you determine the relationship between the charges and distance on the force experienced?
As a useful exercise. Keep the charges the same. Vary the distances, recording both the distance and forces being exerted.
Graph the results. You could attempt to linearise the data to determine the relationship
Theory
What is the relationship between their magnitude and their displacement?
This video examines this and it is referred to as Coulombs Law.
What is the relationship between their magnitude and their displacement?
This video examines this and it is referred to as Coulombs Law.
Questions to Try
- A charge of 5.0 x 10-5 C is attracted by another charge with a force of 300 N. when they are separated by 15 cm. Find the magnitude of the other charge. (1.5 x 10-5 C)
- What is the magnitude of two identical charges which exert a force of 0.30 N on each other when they are 75 cm apart ? (4.3 x 10-6 C)
- What is the distance between two spheres, each with a charge of 2.5 x 10-6 C, when the force between them is 0.50 N ? (0.34 m)
