Static Electricity - Mission SE8 Detailed Help

The electrical force between two objects depends on the ___ and ___ the objects.


 
Coulomb's Law of Electrical Interaction:
The electrical force exerted between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of the quantity of charge on the objects (Q1 and Q2) and inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance (d) between the two objects. In equation form,
 
Felect= k • Q1• Q2/ d2

k is the constant of proportionality known as the Coulomb's law constant.


 
Many students have the misconception that the size or the mass of an object will effect the amount of attraction or repulsion that the object has for another object. The thought is that bigger objects can cause a greater force of attraction. But don't be fooled! Size and mass are not directly involved in determining the strength of an electrical interaction. A small object could exert a stronger attractive force on another object than a large object could - even if held the same distance away.


 

Tired of Ads?
Go ad-free for 1 year