Order of magnitude problem involving the force of repulsion between two persons

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force of repulsion between two charges, one consisting of electrons and the other of protons. The difference between the two charges is calculated and used to determine the force of repulsion using the equation F = k(q1q2)/r^2. The result is compared to the force of gravity exerted on an object with the mass of Earth. The conversation also references a similar thread with a related question. The response mentions an error received when entering an answer and suggests trying a different value.
  • #1
StrawHat
33
0

Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



[itex]\vec{F}[/itex] = k[itex]\stackrel{q1q2}{r^{2}}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



6.022e23*(0.505) = 3.041e23C <-- electrons
6.022e23*(0.495) = 2.981e23C <-- protons
3.041e23 - 2.981e23 = 6e21C <-- the difference between the two charges
[itex]\vec{F}[/itex][itex]_{e}[/itex] = (9e9Nm[itex]^{2}[/itex]/C[itex]^{2}[/itex])(6e21C)[itex]^{2}[/itex] / 2.25m[itex]^{2}[/itex]
[itex]\vec{F}[/itex][itex]_{e}[/itex] = 1.44e53 N
 
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  • #2
  • #3


CAF123 said:
Given that the force of repulsion is similar to the gravitational force exerted on an object with a mass the size of earth, you should expect F ~ 1025N.

There is an identical thread here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=431698

The answer gives me this error: "Your response is within 10% of the correct value. This may be due to roundoff error, or you could have a mistake in your calculation. Carry out all intermediate results to at least four-digit accuracy to minimize roundoff error."
 
  • #4


What is the answer that you put in the box?
 
  • #5


nasu said:
What is the answer that you put in the box?

I put in F~10 25N.
 
  • #6


How do you get the number of protons?
 
  • #7


StrawHat said:
I put in F~10 25N.

I would consider trying to enter 26 in the box. Depending on how you estimate, you may get 10^26. And the "weight" of the Earth is also of the order 10^26 (6x10^25).
 

Related to Order of magnitude problem involving the force of repulsion between two persons

What is the definition of "order of magnitude"?

Order of magnitude refers to the scale or magnitude of a quantity or measurement, usually expressed in powers of 10. It is used to describe the approximate size or scale of something.

What is the force of repulsion between two persons?

The force of repulsion between two persons is the amount of force that each person exerts on the other due to their mutual repulsion. This force is a result of the interaction between the electric charges of the two individuals.

How is the force of repulsion between two persons calculated?

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

Why is the force of repulsion between two persons considered an "order of magnitude" problem?

The force of repulsion between two persons involves very small charges and distances, making it a problem that requires estimation and approximation. The order of magnitude helps us understand the general scale of the force and allows for easier calculations.

What are some real-life examples of order of magnitude problems involving the force of repulsion between two persons?

One example could be calculating the force of repulsion between two people standing a certain distance apart during a lightning storm. Another example could be estimating the force of repulsion between two charged particles in an experiment at a small scale, such as in a particle accelerator.

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