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Forces surround us. They are present in every step we take and even when we are doing nothing other than relaxing on our sofas. In the universe of physics, there are four forces defined and dealt with. These forces include gravitational force, two types of nuclear forces and electromagnetic force. One part of the electromagnetic force is the electrostatic force. However, unlike electromagnetic force involving magnetic fields, electrostatic force differs in its operation.
While we might not pay attention, several instances in our routine activities include the electrostatic force. Knowing what electrostatics force is is thus essential to know how unseen particles contribute to force. In the sections below, we will look at what electrostatics is. Further, there will be an elaboration on Coulomb’s law of electrostatics and various particles such as negatively charged particles.
What Is Electrostatics?
In physics, electrostatics is defined as the repulsive forces caused by repulsion of electric charges. This force was initially detected by the French physicist, Charles Augustin de Coulomb. Owing to this, the force is also termed Coulomb’s force or Coulomb interaction. Electrostatic forces operate at a distance of one-tenth the diameter of an object.
In this electrostatic force, there are three essential elements involved. These are neutrons, protons and electrons. Both electrons and protons exhibit attraction towards the electrostatic force. Neither a proton nor an electron can unbind itself, and these two are strongly held by the neutrons.
The electrostatic force is a part of the electromagnetic force that comes into play when there are stationary charges. Once the static equilibrium is attained, there is attainment of the electrostatic force. This force involves the electric field and electric potential. Electric field is the area or the region circumscribing the charged particles and where the force is exerted as a consequence. Electric potential is defined as a requirement for a charge to move, and thus release the force.
Regarding electrostatics, this type of force is found around stationary particles. Here, electrons are negatively charged particles and are found in the outer rings of atoms. There are various practical and day-to-day examples of electrostatic force. These are:
- Paper bits sticking to a comb when the latter is rubbed on dry hair
- Plastic sticking to fingers and hands.
- Sudden explosion of grain silos
- The working of laser printing
Each of these objects has the electrostatic potential which in turns gives rise to the electrostatic force. Electrostatic force is dealt with Coulomb’s law. Below is an elaboration on Coulomb’s law.
Coulomb’s Law of Electrostatics
Coulomb’s law of electrostatics states, “The electrical force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of the quantity of charge on the objects and inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance between the two objects.”
Coulomb’s law can be represented as an equation in the following manner:
In the equation,
F= Electrostatic force
k= proportionality constant
Q1= Quantity of charge on object 1
Q2= Quantity of charge on object 2
d= Distance between the two objects by which they are separated
The two Qs in the Coulomb’s charge represent the quantities of charge of two objects that are present during interactions. These objects can be either positively or negatively charged. When there are positively charged particles, the charge is positive. When there are negatively charged particles, the charge is negative. The force value is positive when the two Qs are of the same charge and negative when they are of opposite charge.
Apart from Coulomb’s law of electrostatics, there are other laws proposed by him for charges. According to Coulomb, when charges are of the same kind, they repel. When the charges are of opposite kinds (positive and negative), they attract. This law frames the basis for the magnetic fields to operate.
There are various applications of electrostatic forces and Coulomb’s law of electrostatics. These are further elaborated in the following section.
Significance and Applications Coulomb’s Law
Electrostatic forces and Coulomb’s law of electrostatics work as the determinants for various aspects. Other significant aspects are:
- Coulomb’s law is used for determining mixtures or mixing substances in water.
- Electrostatic forces play an essential role in the working of Xerox machines.
- This force is applied to explain phenomena such as balloon sticking to walls, paper sticking to hair, etc.
- The electrostatic force is used for air cleansing through its principles.
- Coulomb’s law of electrostatistics helps in finding how far two objects are from each other.
- Coulomb’s law of electrostatics is used in calculation of the vector field of the two objects in charge.
- Coulomb’s law of electrostatics determines the inverse square measurement of the charged objects.
- The electrostatic force is an explanation of force that is exhibited by all types of stationary objects or entities.
These are the applications and significance of the electrostatic forces and Coulomb’s law of electrostatics.
Conclusion
In the article above, we have discussed the primary forces. One of them is the electrostatic force. We have also looked at what negatively charged and positively charged particles are. Electrostatic forces operate at a distance of one-tenth the diameter of an object.
Coulomb’s law of electrostatics, there are other laws proposed by him for charges. According to Coulomb, when charges are of the same kind, they repel. When the charges are of opposite kinds (positive and negative), they attract.
