Charges on objects

All neutral objects have the same number of

+ & - charges.
Neutral object,
same no. of +
& - charges
Positive object,
removed,
thus excess +
charge,
Negative object,
extra added, thus
object negatively
charged



Charging objects
1
Forces between charges
Remember: Like charges repel
While, unlike charges attract
Electrostatic forces exist between charged particles/objects
Forces between
charged objects
2
Coulombs law
Coulombs law is the relationship between the
forces experienced by charged objects when
situated a certain distance apart.
Opposite charges
attract
Like charges repel
Coulomb's law
3
Coulombs law
This relationship enables us to establish the forces
that exist between charged objects.
Def.: Coulombs Law:
The force of attraction or repulsion between electric
charges at rest is directly proportional to the product
of the charges, and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between their centres.
Expressed mathematically:
F = k
Q
1
Q
2
r
2
Since
F Q
1
F Q
2
F

1
r
2 Coulomb's law
4
Coulombs law
In the equation:
F = force between charges (in newton)
Q
1
& Q
2
= respective charges (in coulomb)
r = distance apart (in m) and
k = Coulombs constant (9x 10
9
N.m
2
.C
-2
)
In a calculation, remember to convert units to the
correct units for the equation before substituting into
the equation.
Coulomb's law
5
Application of Coulombs law
Determine the net force on sphere B.

+3C

+3C

-2C
A B C
r = 5 cm r = 10 cm
1.Find the net force of attraction of C on B, towards C.
2.Find the net force of repulsion of A on B, towards C.
3.Find the net force of A & C on B towards C by adding
the answers to 1 & 2.
6
Application of Coulombs law
Determine the net force on sphere B.

+3C

+3C

-2C
r = 5 cm
1.Find the net force of
attraction of C on B,
towards C.

2.Find the net force of attraction
of A on B, towards A.

3.Find the net resultant force of
A & C on B, by adding
force vectors BA & BC
r = 4 cm
A
B
C
Resultant
Solution method
Application of Coulomb's law
7