What is Coulomb’s Law?

Coulomb’s Law is a fundamental principle in electrostatics that describes the force between two electrically charged particles. It states that the magnitude of the electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of the magnitudes of charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law is crucial in understanding electric fields and interactions between charged particles in various fields of physics and engineering.

How to Use the Coulomb’s Law Calculator

Our Coulomb’s Law Calculator is a user-friendly tool designed to help you quickly determine the electrostatic force between two charged particles. Follow these simple steps to use the calculator effectively:

Step 1: Enter the First Charge

Input the magnitude of the first charge (q1) in Coulombs (C) into the designated field. This value can be positive or negative, depending on whether the charge is positive or negative.

Step 2: Enter the Second Charge

Input the magnitude of the second charge (q2) in Coulombs (C) into the second field. Like the first charge, this can be either positive or negative.

Step 3: Specify the Distance

Enter the distance between the two charges in meters (m). This should be the straight-line distance between the centers of the two charged particles.

Step 4: Calculate the Force

Click the “Calculate Force” button. The calculator will process the input values using Coulomb’s Law formula.

Step 5: Interpret the Results

The calculator will display the magnitude of the electrostatic force in Newtons (N). It will also indicate whether the force is attractive or repulsive based on the signs of the charges. Additionally, you’ll see a brief explanation of the calculation and the significance of the result.

Step 6: Analyze the Explanation

Review the provided explanation to understand how the force was calculated and what the result means in terms of the interaction between the charges.

By following these steps, you can easily calculate and interpret the electrostatic force between any two point charges, making this tool invaluable for physics students, educators, and professionals working with electrostatic phenomena.