Two charges of equal magnitude `2 xx 10^(-8)` C separated by a silk thread of length 1 m are placed on an insulated, smooth, horizontal surface. Calculate the tension on the string.

Explanation

Tension on the string = Force acting between the two charges.
`=1/(4pi epsilon_(0)).(q_(1)q_(2))/r^(2)`
`=9 xx 10^(9) xx ((2 xx 10^(-8))^(2)/(1)^(2))` `[therefore q_(1) =q_(2) = 2 xx 10^(-8) C, r=1m]`
`=9 xx 10^(9) xx 4 xx 10^(-16)`
`=36 xx 10^(-7)` N