Understanding the Force Between Charges: Demystifying the fe = kq1q2/r^2 Formula

In summary, the fe = kq1q2/r^2 formula represents the force between two charges, where fe is the force, k is a constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between them. This formula is used to calculate the attractive or repulsive force between charged particles, and it follows the inverse square law, meaning that the force decreases as the distance between the charges increases. Understanding this formula is crucial in comprehending the concept of electric forces and their effects in various scenarios.
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I'm a little confused by the formula used to find the charge between 2 charges. The formula is fe = kq1q2/r^2. How does this work for two objects such as a neutral object and a charged object? They are attracted to each other due to distribution of the charges, but the formula doesn't show that. Does this formula only work if the two objects have evenly distributed charges?
 
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  • #2
The formula only works between point charges. To get the force between other configurations you have to integrate.
 
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FAQ: Understanding the Force Between Charges: Demystifying the fe = kq1q2/r^2 Formula

What is the meaning of the formula fe = kq1q2/r^2 ?

The formula fe = kq1q2/r^2 represents the magnitude of the electrostatic force (fe) between two point charges (q1 and q2) separated by a distance (r). The constant k is known as the Coulomb's constant and its value is 8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2.

How does the distance between charges affect the electrostatic force?

The electrostatic force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance increases, the force decreases and vice versa.

What is the unit of measurement for the electrostatic force?

The unit of measurement for the electrostatic force is Newton (N), which is the same unit used for measuring force in general.

Can the formula be used for charges of any magnitude?

Yes, the formula can be used for charges of any magnitude, as long as the charges are in the same units (Coulomb) and the distance is in meters.

How is the direction of the electrostatic force determined using this formula?

The direction of the electrostatic force is determined by the sign of the charges. If the charges are of the same sign (both positive or both negative), the force will be repulsive and if the charges are of opposite signs, the force will be attractive. The direction of the force is along the line connecting the two charges.

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