Answer:
a. q2 = 16.4μC, positive charge
b. F = 0.900N
c. downward
Explanation:
a. In order to calculate the charge of the unknown charge you use the following formula, for the electric force between two charges:
[tex]F_e=k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}[/tex] (1)
k: Coulomb's constant = 8.98*10^9Nm^2/C^2
r: distance between the charges = 0.300m
q1: charge 1 = -0.550 μC = 0.550*10^-6C
q2: charge 2 = ?
Fe: electric force = 0.900N
The force exerted in the second charge points upward, then, the sign of the second charge is positive because this charge is getting closer to the first one.
You solve the equation (1) for the second charge ans replace the values of the other parameters:
[tex]q_2=\frac{r^2F_e}{kq_1}=\frac{(0.300m)^2(0.900N)}{(8.98*10^9Nm^2/C^2)(0.550*10^{-6}C)}\\\\q_2=1.64*10^{-5}C\\\\q_2=16.4*10^{-6}C=16.4*10\mu C[/tex]
The values of the second charge is 1.64 μC
b. By the third Newton Law, you have that the force exerted in the second charge is equal to the force exerted by the first charge on the second one.
The force exerted on the first charge is 0.900N
c. The charges are attracting between them, then, the force exerted on the first charge is pointing downward.
