Two identical spheres each carry a charge of −82.0 µC.The spheres are separated by a distance of 2.00 m.What is the electric force between the spheres? (k_e = 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) A)0.184 N (repulsive) B)15.1 N (repulsive) C)30.2 N (attractive) D)1.47 N (attractive) E)37.8 N (attractive)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric force between two charges is given by Coulomb's law:
F = k(q1q2)/r^2
where k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between them.

Substituting the given values,

F = (8.99 × 10^9 N·m^2/C^2)(-82.0 × 10^-6 C)^2/(2.00 m)^2

F = 15.1 N (repulsive)

Therefore, the electric force between the spheres is 15.1 N and it is repulsive because both spheres carry the same charge. Hence, the best choice is B.

Two Identical Spheres Each Carry a Charge of −82