Electric Forces: Find Separation Force

In summary, Coulomb's law can be used to calculate the force of attraction or repulsion between two opposite and equal charges, Q1 and Q2, separated by a distance r. The term "separation force" refers to the force of repulsion between the charges, and it is equal for both particles.
  • #1
anonymousphys
29
0

Homework Statement



So, we have two opposite and equal charges with a distance r between them, and we want to find the "separation force".

Homework Equations


Coulomb's Law


The Attempt at a Solution


Is the separation force the sum of the electric forces on both particles? Or is it the force on just one particle?
 
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  • #2
anonymousphys said:

Homework Equations


Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's law would give the force of attraction/repulsion between two charges Q1 & Q2 separated by a distance r.
 
  • #3
rock.freak667 said:
Coulomb's law would give the force of attraction/repulsion between two charges Q1 & Q2 separated by a distance r.

Thanks, but my main confusion is coming from the term "separation force". Is it the sum of the forces acting on both particles?
 
  • #4
anonymousphys said:
Thanks, but my main confusion is coming from the term "separation force". Is it the sum of the forces acting on both particles?

No the separation force is just the force of repulsion between them. Remember the force on each charge is the same.
 

Related to Electric Forces: Find Separation Force

1. What is an electric force?

An electric force is a fundamental force of nature that occurs between electrically charged particles. This force can be either attractive or repulsive, depending on the charges of the particles.

2. How do you calculate the electric force between two charged particles?

The electric force between two charged particles can be calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the particles.

3. What is the unit of measurement for electric force?

The unit of measurement for electric force is the Newton (N), which is a unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).

4. How does the distance between two charged particles affect the electric force?

The electric force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance increases, the force decreases, and as the distance decreases, the force increases.

5. How can electric forces be used in everyday life?

Electric forces play a crucial role in many everyday devices, such as electronics, appliances, and transportation. They are also used in industries like telecommunications, energy, and manufacturing. Additionally, electric forces are essential for the functioning of the human body as they control the movement of muscles and nerves.

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