A negative charge of - 2 C and a positive charge of 4 C are separated by 84,681 m. What is the force between the two charges?

Answer: - 10N

Explanation:

Given that,

negative charge (q1) = - 2 C

positive charge (q2) = 4 C

Distance between charges (r) = 84,681 m

force between the two charges (F) = ?

Apply the formula for

F = (kq1q2) / r^2

Recall that k is Coulomb's constant with a value of 9 * 10^9 Nm2C-2

Then,

F = (9 * 10^9 Nm2C-2 x - 2C x 4C) / (84,681 m) ^2

F = (-7.2 x 10^10) / (84,681 m) ^2

F = - 9.998N (Rounded up to nearest whole number as - 10N)

Thus, the force between the two charges is - 10 newton