Lab 1 Coulomb’s Law
The Coulomb constant “k” is named after Charles-Augustin de Coulomb. This constant is
associated with the electric force and is also known as the electric force constant. When charged
particles interact, a force repels or attracts the particles. For instance, two like charges (such as a
proton and a proton) repel each other and travel in opposite directions and two unlike charges
(such as an electron and a proton) will be attracted to each other. The electrostatic force equation
is shown below:
∣q1∣∣q2∣
F =k 2
r
Where k = 8.988 × 109 Nm2/C2
Objective: Find the Coulomb Constant.
We will use the simulation below: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/coulombs-law
Figure 1: Coulomb’s Law simulation.
1
, Directions: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the equation for Coulomb’s Law and define each variable in the equation?
F = ke ( |q1q2| / r^2)
F → The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges in Newtons
ke → Coulomb’s constant, 8.99×10^9 N·mZ/CZ.
q1 → The magnitude of the first charge in Coulombs, C
q2 → The magnitude of the second charge in Coulombs,
C r → The distance between the two charges in meters
2. What is the definition electric charge?
Electric charge is a physical property of matter that determines how it interacts with electric
and magnetic fields. It is responsible for producing electric forces and electric fields and is the
fundamental quantity in electromagnetism.
Positive charge is carried by protons.
Negative charge is carried by electrons.
Neutral objects have an equal number of positive and negative charges.
The Coulomb (C) is the SI unit of electric charge, and charge can be transferred between objects
through conduction, induction, or friction.
3. As the distance between electric charges increase, the electric force:
a. Increases
b. Decreases X
c. Remains the same
4. As the distance between electric charges decrease, the electric force:
a. Increases X
b. Decreases
c. Remains the same
5. Like charges:
a. Repel X
b. Attract
c. None of these
6. Unlike charges:
a. Repel
2
The Coulomb constant “k” is named after Charles-Augustin de Coulomb. This constant is
associated with the electric force and is also known as the electric force constant. When charged
particles interact, a force repels or attracts the particles. For instance, two like charges (such as a
proton and a proton) repel each other and travel in opposite directions and two unlike charges
(such as an electron and a proton) will be attracted to each other. The electrostatic force equation
is shown below:
∣q1∣∣q2∣
F =k 2
r
Where k = 8.988 × 109 Nm2/C2
Objective: Find the Coulomb Constant.
We will use the simulation below: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/coulombs-law
Figure 1: Coulomb’s Law simulation.
1
, Directions: Answer the following questions.
1. What is the equation for Coulomb’s Law and define each variable in the equation?
F = ke ( |q1q2| / r^2)
F → The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges in Newtons
ke → Coulomb’s constant, 8.99×10^9 N·mZ/CZ.
q1 → The magnitude of the first charge in Coulombs, C
q2 → The magnitude of the second charge in Coulombs,
C r → The distance between the two charges in meters
2. What is the definition electric charge?
Electric charge is a physical property of matter that determines how it interacts with electric
and magnetic fields. It is responsible for producing electric forces and electric fields and is the
fundamental quantity in electromagnetism.
Positive charge is carried by protons.
Negative charge is carried by electrons.
Neutral objects have an equal number of positive and negative charges.
The Coulomb (C) is the SI unit of electric charge, and charge can be transferred between objects
through conduction, induction, or friction.
3. As the distance between electric charges increase, the electric force:
a. Increases
b. Decreases X
c. Remains the same
4. As the distance between electric charges decrease, the electric force:
a. Increases X
b. Decreases
c. Remains the same
5. Like charges:
a. Repel X
b. Attract
c. None of these
6. Unlike charges:
a. Repel
2
