Two small conducting point charges, separated by 0.5 m, carry a total charge of 170 mu or micro CC. They repel one another with a force of 120 N. For the universal constant k use the value 8.99 times 109 N m2/C2. Find the charge on the larger of the two point charges.

the two point charges are equal

q₁ = 147.353 x 10⁻⁶ C or 22.646 x 10⁻⁶ C

q₂ =  22.647 x 10⁻⁶ C  or 147.354 x 10⁻⁶ C

Explanation:

Given;

distance between the two charges, r =  0.5 m

let the first charge = q₁

let the second charge = q₂

q₁ + q₂ = 170μ = 170 x 10⁻⁶ C ---------- equation (1)

Force of repulsion between the two charges, q₁ and q₂ = 120 N

Coulomb's constant, K =  8.99 x 10⁹ N m²/C²

Apply coulomb's law, for force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges;

--------------  equation (2)

From equation (1); q₂ = 170 x 10⁻⁶ C  - q₁

Substitute in the value of q₂ in equation (2)

q₁(170 x 10⁻⁶  - q₁) = 3.337 x 10⁻⁹

170 x 10⁻⁶q₁ - q₁² = 3.337 x 10⁻⁹

170 x 10⁻⁶q₁ = q₁² + 3.337 x 10⁻⁹

0 = q₁² - 170 x 10⁻⁶q₁ + 3.337 x 10⁻⁹ (this is quadratic equation)

q₁ = 147.353 x 10⁻⁶ C or 22.646 x 10⁻⁶ C

q₂ = 170 x 10⁻⁶ C  - q₁

q₂ = 170 x 10⁻⁶ C - 147.353 x 10⁻⁶ C     or    170 x 10⁻⁶ C -  22.646 x 10⁻⁶ C

q₂ =  22.647 x 10⁻⁶ C  or 147.354 x 10⁻⁶ C

Therefore, the two point charges are equal

The P waves of the earthquakes traverse in a direction parallel to the wave which forms the compressions and the rarefactions.

Explanation:

The P waves of the earthquakes are the one that travels parallel to the waves. When one wave travels parallel to the other, it causes the formation of compression and rarefactions.

Similarly, when a wave travels perpendicular to the other wave, the formations formed are crest and troughs. These compressions and rarefactions occur in an alternate form of fashion.