📚 Learning Guide
Electric Fields and Dielectrics
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If two charged objects, one with a charge of +4 µC and the other with a charge of +1 µC, are separated by a distance of 0.3 meters, what is the direction of the electric force acting on each charge according to Coulomb's Law?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Both forces repel each other.

B

Both forces attract each other.

C

The force on the +4 µC charge attracts the +1 µC charge, but the reverse is not true.

D

There is no force acting between the charges.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Both charges are positive, so Coulomb’s Law says they repel each other. The force on the +4 µC charge pushes it directly away from the +1 µC charge, along the line that connects them. Likewise, the force on the +1 µC charge pushes it directly away from the +4 µC charge, along the same line. In short, each charge feels a force pointing outward along the line that joins the two charges. For example, if the charges are on a horizontal line, the +4 µC charge moves rightward while the +1 µC charge moves leftward.

Detailed Explanation

Coulomb's Law says a positive charge feels a push away from another positive charge. Other options are incorrect because The idea that like charges attract is the opposite of Coulomb's Law; Forces between objects are always mutual; if one pushes back, the other pushes back too.

Key Concepts

Coulomb's Law
Electric Field Lines
Topic

Electric Fields and Dielectrics

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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