Two charges q1 and q2 have a total charge of 10 mu or micro cc. when they are separated by 4.1 m, the force exerted by one charge on the other has a magnitude of 8 mn. find q1 and q2 if both are positive so that they repel each other, and q1 is the smaller of the two. (for the universal constant k use the value 8.99 times 109 n m2/c2.)

q₂ = 6.8 x 10⁻⁶C

q₁ = 3.2 x 10⁻⁶ C

Explanation:

First charge is q₂ and second charge will be ( 10 x10⁻⁶ - q₂ )

Force between them F = 8 X 10⁻³ N distance between them d = 4.1 m

F = k ( q₁ xq₂ ) / d²

8 x 10⁻³ =

14.95 x 10⁻¹² = 10⁻⁵q₂ - q₂²

q₂²-10⁻⁵q₂ + 14.95 x 10⁻¹² =0

This is a quadratic equation .The solution of it gives the value of q₂

q₂ = 6.8 x 10⁻⁶C

q₁ = 3.2 x 10⁻⁶ C

answer: the answer is a

0.19 m/s and 0.45 m/s