Concept explainers
The proportionality constant k in Coulomb’s law is huge in ordinary units, whereas the proportionality constant G in Newton’s law of gravity is tiny. What does this mean in terms of the relative strengths of these two forces?
To explain: The meaning of given statement in terms of relative strengths of electrical forces and gravitational forces.
Answer to Problem 13A
The electrical force is stronger than the force of gravity.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
According to inverse square law, a force applied on any two objects or charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them and the directly to the product of masses.
The proportionality constant used in the electrical forces is “K”, whose value is
However, the proportionality constant used in the force of gravity is “G”, whose value is
With the numerical value, it is clear that the proportionality constant applied in the electrical force is too much greater than the gravitational proportionality constant.
Conclusion:
Thus, it can be concluded that the electrical force is too much stronger as compared to the force of gravity.
Chapter 32 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
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