Two identical objects have a charge of magnitude q. If r is the distance bethween them, what should their mass be so that the objects are balanced.

Our first step in this physics problem should be to identify all of the forces that act on the objects. There are two forces here,electrical and gravitational. Since both objects have the same charge in magnitude(like charges), the electrical force should be repulsive and equal to F(el) = (k*q^2)/ r^2. 

The gravitational force, on the other hand, is always attractive and equal to F(gr) = (G*m^2)/r^2. In orde the objects to be balanced, F(el) = F(gr). Therefore, 

(kq^2)/ r^2 = (Gm^2)/r^2 

m = (square roof of (k/G) ) * q kg.

DK
Answered by Dilyana K. Physics tutor

3631 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A kettle boils 0.6kg of water. After some time the temperature of the water has decreased to 83 degrees. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200J/kg. Calculate the energy transferred to the surroundings.


Explain the resistance of and electrical component and what affects its value in a wire.


If a student uses an electric kettle connected to a 230V mains power supply, with a heating power of 1.8kW. Assuming negligable losses, answer the following: a) find the current in the kettle b) find the total energy transferred in 2 minutes of operation


How Should I structure my experiment report?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning