What Is the Coulomb's Law Electric Force Calculator?
Coulomb’s Law quantifies the fundamental electric force exerted between two static electrically charged particles.
Identical charges repel, whereas opposite charges attract with a force inversely proportional to the square of separation.
How Does the Coulomb's Law Electric Force Calculator Work?
Charges in microcoulombs are converted to standard SI Coulombs (1 µC = 10⁻⁶ C).
The inverse-square force formula F = k_e · |q₁ · q₂| / r² evaluates force magnitude.
Sign comparison determines interaction nature: like signs repel, opposite signs attract.
Coulomb's Law Electric Force Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
Electrostatic force F equals Coulomb constant k_e (8.988 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) multiplied by charges divided by squared separation distance.
How to Use the Coulomb's Law Electric Force Calculator
- Specify charge q1 and charge q2 with positive or negative signs.
- Input separation distance in meters.
- Read force magnitude in Newtons and electric field strength.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
+5 µC and -3 µC at 0.5 m
Input Values:
Understanding Your Result
Halving separation distance quadruples the electrostatic interaction force.
Forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on both charges according to Newton’s Third Law.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Distance: Governed by the inverse-square law (1/r²).
- Medium Permittivity: Dielectric media reduce electrostatic force by the relative permittivity factor ε_r.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Physics electrostatics coursework and electromagnetism lab analysis.
- Colloidal particle suspension and electrophoretic mobility planning.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes static point charges in vacuum or dry air (ε_r ≈ 1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Uses Coulomb constant k_e = 8.9875517923 × 10⁹ N·m²/C².