Coulomb's Law
Electrostatic force between charges
About Coulomb's Law
The Coulomb's Law represents electrostatic force between charges. This physics formula is fundamental to mathematical analysis and serves as a cornerstone concept that students and professionals encounter throughout their mathematical journey. Its importance extends beyond pure mathematics into applied fields where quantitative analysis is required.
This formula is essential in Electromagnetism and Physics. It serves as a building block for more advanced mathematical theory and provides the foundation needed to understand complex mathematical relationships. Whether you're studying mathematics, physics, engineering, or economics, familiarity with this formula enhances your analytical capabilities.
Practical applications of the Coulomb's Law include Electromagnetism, Atomic physics, Particle physics, among others. Understanding and correctly applying this formula enables problem-solvers to approach challenges more systematically and efficiently. Mastery of this concept not only expands your mathematical knowledge but also improves your overall quantitative reasoning skills.
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LaTeX Code
F = k\frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}Formula Information
Difficulty Level
Prerequisites
Discovered
18th century
Discoverer
Charles-Augustin de Coulomb
Real-World Applications
Examples
Mathematical Fields
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Important Notes
Force between two point charges. Similar to gravitational force but for electric charges.
Alternative Names
Common Usage
Formula Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coulomb's law?
Coulomb's law gives the electrostatic force between two point charges: F = k(q₁q₂/r²), where k is Coulomb's constant (≈ 9×10⁹ N·m²/C²), q₁ and q₂ are the charges, and r is the distance between them. Like charges repel (positive F), opposite charges attract (negative F).
How is Coulomb's law similar to gravity?
Both follow inverse square laws: F ∝ 1/r². Both depend on the product of two properties (charges for Coulomb, masses for gravity). However, gravity is always attractive, while electric force can be attractive (opposite charges) or repulsive (like charges). Electric forces are much stronger than gravitational.
What is the electric field?
The electric field (E) is force per unit charge: E = F/q. From Coulomb's law, the field due to a point charge q is E = kq/r². The field tells you the force a charge would experience: F = qE. Electric fields are vectors - they have magnitude and direction.
How do I calculate force from multiple charges?
For multiple charges, use the principle of superposition: find the force from each charge separately using Coulomb's law, then add them vectorially. The total force is the vector sum of all individual forces. This works because electric forces add linearly.
What are practical applications?
Coulomb's law is used in: atomic physics (electron-proton attraction in atoms), particle physics (understanding fundamental forces), engineering (electrostatic devices, printers), chemistry (ionic bonds), and any situation involving charged particles. It's fundamental to understanding electricity and magnetism.
How does distance affect the force?
Force decreases with the square of distance (inverse square law). If distance doubles, force becomes 1/4. If distance triples, force becomes 1/9. This rapid decrease means electric forces are strong at short distances but weak at large distances. The same applies to gravitational forces.
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Quick Details
- Category
- Physics
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Discovered
- 18th century
- Discoverer
- Charles-Augustin de Coulomb
- Formula ID
- coulombs-law