Placed on a smooth horizontal table, two charged particles, each with a charge of 2.0 10⁻⁸ C , are connected by an insulating string of length 1 m . Determine the tension in the string.

Step-by-step solution

The tension in the string balances the electrostatic force of repulsion between the two charged particles. Using Coulomb's law, the electrostatic force is given by: F = 1 4 ₀ q₁ q₂ r^2 Substituting the given values q₁ = q₂ = 2.0 10⁻⁸ C and r = 1 m : F = 9 10^9 (2.0 10⁻⁸) (2.0 10⁻⁸) 1^2 F = 9 10^9 4.0 10⁻¹⁶ F = 36 10⁻⁷ N F = 3.6 10⁻⁶ N Therefore, the tension in the string is 3.6 10⁻⁶ N .