Section 7.

2: Coulomb’s Law
Tutorial 1 Practice, page 332
1. Given: q1 = 1.00 × 10–4 C; q2 = 1.00 × 10–5 C; r = 2.00 m; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FE
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r
kq q
Solution: FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)4 )5
% 8.99 ! 10 2 ( (1.00 ! 10 C )(1.00 ! 10 C )
$ C '
=
(2.00 m)2
FE = 2.25 N
Statement: The magnitude of the electric force between the two charges is 2.25 N.
2. Given: q1 = q; q2 = –2q; r12 = 1.000 m; FE13 + FE23 = 0; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: r13
kq q
Analysis: Use FE = 12 2 to develop a quadratic equation to solve for r13.
r
Solution: FE13 + FE23 = 0
FE13 = ! FE23
k q1 q3 k q2 q3
2
=!
r13
r232
q1 q
2
= ! 22
r13 r23
q !2q
=!
(1.000 + r )
2 2
r13
13

(1+ r )
2
13
= 2r132
1+ 2r13 + r132 = 2r132
0 = r132 ! 2r13 ! 1

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-1

Solve the quadratic equation:

0 = r132 ! 2r13 ! 1
!b ± b2 ! 4ac
x=
2a
! ( !2 ) ± ( !2 ) ! 4 (1)( !1)
2

r13 =
2 (1)
2± 4+4
r13 =
2
2±2 2
r13 =
2
r13 = 1± 2
Only the positive distance is necessary:
r13 = 1+ 2 m
r13 = 2.414 m
Statement: The third charge is 2.414 m to the left of q.
3. Given: q1 = +2.0 µC = +2.0 × 10–6 C; d1 = 0 m; q2 = –3.0 µC = –3.0 × 10–6 C;
d2 = 40.0 cm = 0.40 m; q3 = –5.0 µC = –5.0 × 10–6 C; d3 = 120.0 cm = 1.20 m;
k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FEnet at q2
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r
Solution:
Determine the electric force due to q1:
kq q
FE12 = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)6 )6
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (2.0 ! 10 C )()3.0 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(0.40 m )2
FE12 = )0.3371 N (two extra digits carried)

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-2

Determine the electric force due to q3:
kq q
FE23 = 32 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)6 )6
% 8.99 ! 10 ( ()5.0 ! 10 C )()3.0 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(1.20 m ) 0.40 m )2
FE23 = 0.2107 N (two extra digits carried)
Determine
! ! the!net force:
FEnet = FE12 + FE23
= 0.3371 N [left] + 0.2107 N [left]
!
FEnet = 0.55 N [left]
Statement: The force on the –3.0 µC charge is 0.55 N [left].

Section 7.2 Questions, page 333

1. Given: FE1 = 0.080 N; r2 = 3r1
Required: FE2
Analysis: Determine how the force changes when the distance is tripled, then substitute for the
kq q
original force, FE = 12 2 .
r
kq q
Solution: FE2 = 12 2
r2
kq1q2
=
(3r1 )2
kq1q2
=
9r12
1 ! kq q $
= # 12 2 &
9 " r1 %
1
= F
9 E1
1
= (0.080 N)
9
FE2 = 8.9 ' 10(3 N
Statement: The new force is 8.9 × 10–3 N.

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-3

2. Given: FE1 = 0.080 N; r2 = 3r1; q1B = 3q1A
Required: FE2
Analysis: Determine how the force changes when the distance and the charge are tripled, then
kq q
substitute for the original force; FE = 12 2 .
r
kq1Bq2
Solution: FE2 =
r22
k(3q1A )q2
=
(3r1 )2
3kq1A q2
=
9r12
1 ! kq q $
= # 1A2 2 &
3 " r1 %
1
= FE1
3
1
= (0.080 N)
3
FE2 = 2.7 ' 10(2 N
Statement: The new force is 2.7 × 10–2 N.
3. Given: q1 = 1.6 × 10–19 C; q2 = 1.6 × 10–19 C; r = 0.10 nm = 1.0 × 10–10 m;
k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FE
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r
kq q
Solution: FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)19 )19
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (1.6 ! 10 C )(1.6 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(1.0 ! 10)10 m )2
FE = 2.3! 10)8 N
Statement: The magnitude of the electric force between the two electrons is 2.3 × 10–8 N.
1
4. Given: r2 = r1
1.50
Required: FE2
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-4

 kq1q2
Solution: FE2 =
r22
kq1q2
= 2
! r1 $
#" &
1.50 %
! kq q $
FE2 = 2.25 # 12 2 &
" r1 %
FE2 = 2.25FE1
Statement: The magnitude of the electric force will increase by a factor of 2.25.
5. Given: q1 = 1.00 µC = 1.00 × 10–6 C; q2 = 1.00 µC = 1.00 × 10–6 C; m = 1.00 kg;
g = 9.8 m/s2; FE = Fg; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: Fg; r
kq q
Analysis: Rearrange the equation FE = 12 2 to solve for r. Then determine Fg.
r
kq q
FE = 12 2
r
kq1q2
r=
FE
Fg = mg
= (1.00 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )
Fg = 9.8 N
Solution:
kq1q2
r=
FE
# 9 N "m
2
& )6 )6
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (1.00 ! 10 C )(1.00 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
9.8 N
r = 0.030 m
Statement: The distance between the charges is 0.030 m.
6. (a) Given: m1 = 9.11 × 10–31 kg; m2 = 1.67 × 10–27 kg; r = 1.0 nm = 1.0 × 10–9 m;
G = 6.67 × 10–11 N⋅m2/kg2
Required: Fg
Gm1m2
Analysis: Fg =
r2

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-5

 Gm1m2
Solution: Fg =
r2
$ "11 N # m
2 ' "31 "27
& 6.67 ! 10 ) (9.11! 10 kg )(1.67 ! 10 kg )
% kg 2 (
=
(1.0 ! 10"9 m )2
Fg = 1.0 ! 10"49 N
Statement: The magnitude of the gravitational force between the electron and the proton is
1.0 × 10–49 N.
(b) Given: q1 = 1.6 × 10–19 C; q2 = 1.6 × 10–19 C; r = 1.0 × 10–9 m; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FE
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r
Solution:
kq q
FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)19 )19
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (1.6 ! 10 C )(1.6 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(1.0 ! 10)9 m )2
FE = 2.3! 10)10 N
Statement: The magnitude of the electric force between the electron and proton is 2.3 × 10–10 N.
(c) If the distance were increased to 1.0 m, there would be no change because the ratios of the
forces are independent of the separation distance.
7. Given: q1 = q; q2 = 3q; r1 = 50; r2 = –40; FE13 = FE23
Required: r13
kq q
Analysis: Use FE = 12 2 to develop a quadratic equation to solve for r13. First determine r12:
r
r12 = 50– (–40) = 90
Solution:
FE13 = FE23
kq1 q3 kq2 q3
=
r132 r232
q1 q2
=
r132 r232
q 3q
=
r132 ( 90 ! r )2
13

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-6

 (90 ! r )
2
13
= 3r132
8100 ! 180r13 + r132 = 3r132
0 = 2r132 + 180r13 ! 8100
0 = r132 + 90r13 ! 4050
Solve the quadratic equation:
!b ± b2 ! 4ac
x=
2a
0 = r13 + 90r13 ! 4050
2

! ( 90 ) ± ( 90 ) ! 4 (1)( !4050 )
2

r13 =
2 (1)
!90 ± 24300
=
2
!90 ± 90 3
=
2
r13 = !45 ± 45 3
Only the positive distance is necessary:
r13 = 45 ! 45 3
r13 = 33
x = –40 + 33
x = –7
Statement: The third charge is at x = –7.
8. Given: q1 = 2.0 × 10–6 C; q2 = –1.0 × 10–6 C; r12 = 10 cm = 0.10 m; FE13 + FE23 = 0
Required: r13
kq q
Analysis: Use FE = 12 2 to develop a quadratic equation to solve for r13.
r
Solution: FE13 + FE23 = 0
FE13 = ! FE23
kq1 q3 kq2 q3
=!
r132 r232
q1 q
2
= ! 22
r13 r23

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-7

 2.0 ! 10"6 C "1.0 ! 10"6 C
= "
r132 (0.10 + r )
2
13

2 1
=
r13 ( 0.10 + r )2
2
13

2 ( 0.10 + r13 ) = r132

2

0.01+ 0.2r13 + 2r132 = r132

r132 + 0.2r13 " 0.01 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation:

!b ± b2 ! 4ac
x=
2a
r13 + 0.2r13 ! 0.01 = 0
2

! ( !0.2 ) ± ( !0.2)2 ! 4(1)( !0.01)

r13 =
2 (1)
0.2 ± 0.04 + 0.04
r13 =
2
0.2 ± 0.2 2
r13 =
2
r13 = 0.1± 2
Only the positive distance is necessary:
r13 = 0.1 m + 0.1 2 m
r13 = 0.24 m
Statement: The third charge is 0.24 m, or 24 cm, beyond the smaller charge.
9. (a) Given: q = 7.5 × 10–6 C; L = 25 cm = 0.25 m; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FEnet at q3
Analysis: Determine the distance between particles using the Pythagorean theorem. Then use
kq q
FE = 12 2 to determine the magnitude of the electric force between two particles.
r
Solution: Determine the distance:
r = (0.25 m)2 + (0.25 m)2
= 0.125 m 2
r = 0.3536 m (two extra digits carried)

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-8

Determine the magnitude of the electric force:
kq q
FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)6 )6
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (7.5 ! 10 C )(7.5 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(0.3536 m )2
FE = 4.044 N (two extra digits carried)
The x-components of the forces will add to zero, so calculate the y-components of the forces.
FEnet = 2FE sin 45°
= 2(4.044 N)sin 45°
FEnet = 5.7 N [down]
Statement: The net force on the charge at the bottom is 5.7 N [down].
(b) Given: q = 7.5 × 10–6 C; L = 0.25 m; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2; FE = 4.044 N
Required: FEnet at q2
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2
r
Solution: Determine the magnitude of the force between the two particles on the x-axis:
kq q
FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)6 )6
% 8.99 ! 10 ( (7.5 ! 10 C )(7.5 ! 10 C )
$ C '
2
=
(0.25 m + 0.25 m )2
= 2.023 N (two extra digits carried)
FE = 2.0 N
Determine the x- and y-components of the diagonal force:
FEx = FE sin 45° FEy = FE cos 45°
= (4.044 N)sin 45° = (4.044 N)cos 45°
FEx = 2.860 N FEy = 2.860 N
Add the horizontal forces:
2.860 N + 2.023 N = 4.883 N [to the right]
The vertical force is 2.860 N [up].
Determine the magnitude of the net force:
FEnet = (4.883 N)2 + (2.860 N)2
= 32.02 N 2
= 5.659 N (two extra digits carried)
FEnet = 5.7 N

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-9

Determine the direction of the net force:
2.860 N
tan ! =
4.883 N
# 2.860 N &
! = tan "1 %
$ 4.883 N ('
! = 30°
Statement: The net force on the charge on the right is 5.7 N [E 30° N].
(c) Given: q = 7.5 × 10–6 C; L = 0.25 m; qe = 1.6 × 10–19 C; k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: FEnet at origin
kq q
Analysis: FE = 12 2 ; the two charges on the x-axis have a net force of zero, so the only force is
r
an attractive force from the charge at the bottom.
kq q
Solution: FE = 12 2
r
# 9 N" m
2 &
)6 )19
% 8.99 ! 10 2 ( (7.5 ! 10 C )(1.6 ! 10 C )
$ C '
=
(0.25 m )2
= 1.726 ! 10)13 N (two extra digits carried)
FE = 1.7 ! 10)13 N
Statement: The net force on the electron is 1.7 × 10–13 N [down].
10. Given: m = 5.00 g = 5.00 × 10–3 kg; L = 1.00 m; θ = 30.0°; g = 9.8 m/s2;
k = 8.99 × 109 N⋅m2/C2
Required: q
Analysis: The electric, gravitational, and tension forces on the pith balls give a net force of zero.
Since the electric force is entirely horizontal and the gravitational force is entirely vertical, first
determine the gravitational force, Fg = mg. Then use trigonometry to determine the tension force
kq q
and the electric force. Use FE = 12 2 to determine the charge on each pith ball. Draw a sketch of
r
the situation.

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-10

Solution: Determine the gravitational force on one pith ball:
Fg = mg
= (5.00 ! 10"3 kg)(9.8 m/s 2 )
Fg = 0.490 N
Determine the force of tension on one pith ball:
! 30.0° $
Fg = FT cos #
" 2 &%
Fg
FT =
cos15.0°
0.490 N
=
cos15.0°
FT = 0.5073 N
Determine the electric force on one pith ball:
! 30.0° $
FE = FT sin #
" 2 &%
= (0.5073 N)sin15.0°
FE = 1.313' 10(2 N
Determine the distance between pith balls:
! 30.0° $
r = 2Lsin #
" 2 &%
= 2(1.00 m)sin15.0°
r = 0.5176 m
Determine the charge on the pith balls:
kq q
FE = 12 2
r
kq 2
FE = 2
r
F r2
q2 = E
k
FE r 2
q=
k
(1.313! 10"2 N )(0.5176 m )2
=
$ 9 N # m
2 '

&% 8.99 ! 10 )
C2 (
q = 6.26 ! 10"7 C
Statement: The charge on each pith ball is 6.26 × 10–7 C.

Copyright © 2012 Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 7: Electric Fields 7.2-11