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

3552 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

It takes 1.8s to drop a ball of a bridge. How high is the bridge and what speed is reached?


If an object of mass 6kg was dropped from a height 35m (initially at rest), how long would it take to reach the ground under free fall?


A car of mass 1000 kg is travelling at 20 (m/s). The car crashes into a tree, and comes to a complete halt in 0.05s. Calculate the force acting on the car during the collision.


What is Fleming's left hand rule?


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