Two 10 kg masses are 40 m apart on a frictionless table Each

Two 1.0 kg masses are 4.0 m apart on a frictionless table. Each has 1.0 muC of charge. What is the magnitude of the electric force on one of the masses? Express your answer using two significant figures. F= N What is the initial acceleration of each mass if they are released and allowed to move? Express your answer using two significant figures. a= m/s^2

Solution

We know that for charges Q1 and Q2 separated by a distance, R, the net force acting between them is given as:

F = kQ1 x Q2 / R² where k is Coulomb\'s constant and equal to 8.99 x 10^9

We will use the above to solve the given problems as follows:

Part A.) The mangnitude of the force for two charges in magnitude 1 C will be given as:

F = 8.99 x 10^9 x 1 x 10^-12 / 16 = 0.562 x 10^-3 N

Therefore the force acting on each of the masses is 0.562 x 10^-3 N

Part B,) The acceleration of a body is given as Force / Mass, here each of the masses are of 1 kg and we have determined the force acting on each one of them in Part A.

Hence, acceleration = 0.562 x 10^-3 / 1 = 0.562 x 10^-3 m/s²

Therefore the net acceleration of each mass if they are released would be: 0.562 x 10^-3 m/s²