Electrostatics question, involving mass?

In summary, the task was to find the force exerted by 1 gram of electrons on another 1 gram of electrons from 1 kilometer away. Using the equations F=(kQ1Q2/R^2) and F = kQ^2/R^2, and plugging in the values for the mass of one electron (9.11x10^-31 kg) and the charge of an electron (1.6x10^-19 C), the correct answer was found to be 2.8x10^20N. The process of finding this answer involved determining the number of electrons needed to make up 1 gram of electrons (1.1x10^27), calculating the charge of 1 gram
  • #1
hangingwire
8
0

Homework Statement


One electron has a mass of 9.11x10^-31 KG. Find the force 1.0 gram of electrons would exert on another 1.0g of electrons from 1.0 kilometer away

F = ?
Melectron = 9.11x10^-31 kg --> (0.01kg of electron = 9.11x10^-33 kg)
Electron Coloumb = 1.6x10^-19 C (ignoring the negative sign b/c it is a vector)
R = 1000m

Homework Equations



F=(kQ1Q2/R^2)
Since they are the same mass

F = kQ^2/R^2

The Attempt at a Solution



K = 9x10^9
R = 1000^2

What is the value for Q? I am not sure because any value I try to enter is invalid.

Answer is 2.8x10^20N and I am getting a negative power answer when I try. Can someone steer me in the right direction please?
 
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  • #2
hangingwire said:

Homework Statement


One electron has a mass of 9.11x10^-31 KG. Find the force 1.0 gram of electrons would exert on another 1.0g of electrons from 1.0 kilometer away

F = ?
Melectron = 9.11x10^-31 kg --> (0.01kg of electron = 9.11x10^-33 kg)
Electron Coloumb = 1.6x10^-19 C (ignoring the negative sign b/c it is a vector)
R = 1000m

Homework Equations



F=(kQ1Q2/R^2)
Since they are the same mass

F = kQ^2/R^2

The Attempt at a Solution



K = 9x10^9
R = 1000^2

What is the value for Q? I am not sure because any value I try to enter is invalid.

Answer is 2.8x10^20N and I am getting a negative power answer when I try. Can someone steer me in the right direction please?
What is the number of electrons need so that you have a mass of 1 gram of electrons?
 
  • #3
1/(9.11x10^-28) = 1.1x10^27 electrons per gram.

if one electron is 1.6x10^-19c

(1.1x10^27)(1.6x10^-19) = 1.76x10^8 is one charge of a gram of electrons

Plugging it in...

(9x10^9)x(1.76x10^8)^2
-------------------------
(1000m)^2

answer = 1.584x10^12 CORRECTED! --> 2.78784x10^20 which is correct

Still off :|

Edit: NVM! Correct answer. Stupid Casio fx-300ES calculator got it mixed up somewhere. Hate how I have to keep pressing Shift to get the answer in decimals -.- Thank you!
 

FAQ: Electrostatics question, involving mass?

What is electrostatics?

Electrostatics is the study of electric charges at rest. It involves the understanding of how electric charges interact with each other and with non-moving objects.

What is the relationship between electrostatic force and mass?

According to Coulomb's Law, the electrostatic 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. Mass does not directly affect electrostatic force, but it can indirectly affect it through the charge of an object.

How does electrostatics relate to mass in everyday life?

Electrostatics plays a role in many aspects of our daily lives, such as the buildup of static electricity on clothes or the attraction between a comb and hair. Mass can affect these interactions, for example, a larger object will have a greater charge and therefore a stronger electrostatic force.

What is the difference between electrostatics and electrodynamics?

Electrostatics deals with electric charges at rest, while electrodynamics deals with charges in motion. In other words, electrostatics focuses on the behavior of electric charges in a stationary state, while electrodynamics studies how charges move and interact with each other.

How do scientists use electrostatics in their research?

Scientists use electrostatics in a variety of fields, such as material science, electronics, and energy production. They may use it to study the properties of different materials, design electronic devices, or develop new technologies for generating and storing energy.

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