Question

A positive charge q1 = 2.70 µC on a frictionless horizontal surface is attached to a spring of force constant k as in the figure below. When a charge of q2 = -8.60 µC is placed 9.50 cm away from the positive charge, the spring stretches by 5.00 mm, reducing the distance between charges to d = 9.00 cm.

a) Write, in symbols, the equation of the force that the charge q2 exerts on the charge q1.

b) Write, in symbols, the equation of the equilibrium between the electric force and the mechanical force on the charge q1.

c) Find the value of k. (The electric constant is 8.99 X 109 N·m2/C2).

Answer 1