PHYSICS

WORKSHEET
COULOMB'S LAW

KEY
q1q2
Fe = k
d2
9 2
electrical proportionality constant = 9.0 x 10 Nm /C
-19
charge of a proton = +1 = 1.6 x 10 C
-19
charge of an electron = -1 = -1.6 x 10 C
-6
1. A charge of 5.67 x 10-18 C is placed 3.5 x 10 m away from another charge of – 3.79 x 10-19
C. What is the force of attraction between them?

Data Equation Math Answer

5.67 x 10-18 C x –3.79 x 10-19=2.15 x 10-36

q1 = 5.67 x 10-18 C
q2 = – 3.79 x 10-19 C q1q2
-6
d = 3.5 x 10 m
Fe = k (3.5 x 10-6)2 = 1.22 x 10-11
1.58 x 10-15 N
d2 2.15 x 10-36 ÷ 1.22 x 10-11 = 1.76 x 10-25

1.76 x 10-25 x 9 x 109 =

2. What is the magnitude of electrical force of attraction between an iron nucleus (26 protons)
and its innermost electron if the distance between them is 1.0 x 10-12 m?

Data Equation Math Answer

q1 = 26(1.6 x 10-19) = 4.16 x 10-18

q1 = 26+ q2 = 1(-1.6 x 10-19) = -1.6 x 10-19
q1q2
Fe = k
q2 = 1- 4.16 x 10-18x -1.6 x 10-19= -6.66 x10-37
-12
d = 1.0 x 10 m (1.0 x 10-12)2 = 1.0 x 10-24 -5.99 x 10-3 N
d2 -6.66 x10-3 ÷1.0 x 10-24 = -6.66 x 10-13
-6.66 x 10-13 (9 x 109)

- - OVER - -
3. Two groups of three protons each are located at two of the opposite corners of a square with
10 cm sides. Calculate the force between them.
Data Equation Math Answer

q1 = 3+ q1 = 3(1.6 x 10-19) = 4.8 x 10-19

q2 = 3+ 4.8 x 10-19x4.8 x 10-19= 2.3 x 10-37
q1q2
Fe = k
d = 0.14 m (0.14)2 = 0.0196 1.06 x 10-25 N
2 2.3 x 10-37÷(0.0196) = 1.17 x 10-35
d 1.17 x 10-35(9 x 109)

-12
4. How far apart must two electrons be if the force between them is 1.0 x 10 N?
Data Equation Math Answer

q1 = 1- q1 = q2 = -1.6 x 10-19
q2 = 1-
Fe = 1.0 x 10-12 N 𝑘𝑞1 𝑞2 9 x 109 x -1.6 x 10
-19
x -1.6 x 10-19= 1.52 x 10-8 m
k = 9 x 109
𝑑= � 2.3 x 10-28
𝐹𝑒
2.3 x 10-28 ÷ 1.0 x 10-12 = 2.3 x 10-16

2.3 x10−16

-10
5. A force of 3.24 x 10 N exists between a +18 charge and another mystery particle. The ions
-8
are 2.53 x 10 m apart. What is the charge of the mystery particle?
Data Equation Math Answer

Fe = 3.24 x 10-10 N 3.24 x 10-10 (2.53 x 10-8)2 =2.07x10-25

2
q1= 18+ 𝐹𝑒 𝑑
d = 2.53 x 10-8 m 𝑞1 = 18 (1.6 x 10-19) = 2.88 x 10-18
50 +
k = 9 x 109 𝑘𝑞1
9 x 109 (2.88 x 10-18) = 2.59 x 10-8

2.07x10-25 ÷ 2.59 x 10-8 = 7.99 x 10-18

7.99 x 10-18 ÷ 1.6 x 10-19