Apositive charge, q1, of 5 µc is 3 × 10–2 m west of a positive charge, q2, of 2 µc. what is the magnitude and direction of the electrical force, fe, applied by q1 on q2? magnitude: 3 n direction: east magnitude: 3 n direction: west magnitude: 100 n direction: east magnitude: 100 n direction: west

magnitude: 100 N direction: east

Explanation:

The electrostatic force between two charges is given by

where

k is the Coulomb's constant

q1 and q2 are the two charges

r is the separation between the charges

In this problem, we have

Substituting into the equation, we find the magnitude of the force

Concerning the direction, let's notice that:

- Both charges are positive, so the force between them is repulsive

- The charge q1 is west of the charge q2

- So, the force applied by q1 on q2 must be to the east (away from charge q1)