Chapter 20.2, Problem 16SSC

To determine

To explain:The relationship between the electrostatic force and charge. Also, the force when the charges are like and opposite.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The attractive or repulsive force between the electrically charged particles is known as electrostatic force. The range of electrostatic force is about one tenth of the diameter of an atomic nucleus, that is ${10}^{-16}\text{ m}$ .

The relation between the electrostatic force and charge is given by Coulomb’s law, according to which force is given as,

  $F_e=k\frac{q_1{q}_2}{r^2}$

It is observed that electrostatic force between the two charges is directly related to the product of charges and inversely related to the square of distance between them. If the charges are like, means charges are of same sign, then the electrostatic force between them is repulsive and force will be positive. If the charges are opposite, means charges are of different sign, then the electrostatic force between them is attractive and force will be negative.