1. What is Coulomb's Law?

Definition: Coulomb's Law calculates the magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges.

Purpose: It helps physicists and engineers determine the electric force in systems with charged particles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Electric force (Newtons)
• \( k \) — Coulomb's constant (8.98755×10⁹ N·m²/C²)
• \( q_1, q_2 \) — Electric charges (Coulombs)
• \( r \) — Distance between charges (meters)

Explanation: The force is proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

3. Importance of Electric Force Calculation

Details: Understanding electric forces is crucial for designing electrical systems, analyzing atomic structures, and developing technologies like capacitors and semiconductors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both charges in Coulombs (can be positive or negative), the distance in meters (must be > 0), and Coulomb's constant (default provided). The calculator returns the magnitude of force in Newtons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if the charges have opposite signs?
A: The calculator uses absolute values, so it returns the magnitude of force regardless of charge signs (attractive or repulsive).

Q2: What's the value of Coulomb's constant?
A: Approximately 8.98755×10⁹ N·m²/C² in a vacuum. The default value is pre-filled.

Q3: Can I use this for point charges only?
A: Yes, the formula applies precisely to point charges. For distributed charges, integration is needed.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use Coulombs for charge, meters for distance, and the result will be in Newtons.

Q5: Why is distance squared in the formula?
A: This reflects the inverse-square law nature of electric force, similar to gravitational force.