GROUP 4 (STEM) General Physics 2 (Quarter 3 – 2nd Semester)

Grade 12 - Reliability February 11, 2025 | Tuesday

Performance Task: Exploring Electric Charge, Coulomb’s Law, and Electric Potential Energy

Title: Investigating Electric Interactions

Objective: Apply concepts of electric charge, Coulomb’s Law, and electric potential energy to
analyze real-world scenarios and conduct a hands-on or computational investigation.

1) THEORETICAL ANALYSIS:
 Research and summarize the concepts of electric charge, Coulomb’s Law, and electric
potential energy.

Electric Charge
It is a property of matter that causes a force in an electric field. Charges can be positive
(+), negative (-), or neutral (0). Like charges repel, and opposite charges attract. A neutral charge
means an object has the same number of protons and electrons. This results in no net charge.
The unit of charge is the coulomb (C). Electrons have a charge of -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, and protons
have +1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. Neutral objects do not create electric forces unless a charged object is near
them, and it is called polarization.

Coulomb’s Law
It describes the force between two charged objects. It states that the electric force
between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their magnitudes and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them. Mathematically, it is expressed as F =
k(q₁q₂) / r², where F is the force, q₁ and q₂ are the charges, r is the distance between them, and
k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² or 9.0 × 109 Nm2/C2 ). This law explains how the
strength of the electric force depends on charge magnitude and distance, similar to gravitational
force but much stronger.

Electric Potential Energy

It is the energy stored in a system of charged particles due to their positions in an electric
field. It depends on the amount of charge and the distance between the charges. When like
charges are pushed closer together or opposite charges are pulled apart, work is done against
the electric force, increasing the system’s potential energy. It is mathematically represented as
U = k(q₁q₂) / r, where U is the electric potential energy, and the other variables are the same as
in Coulomb’s Law. This concept is crucial in understanding how electric fields store and transfer
energy.

 Provide real-world applications of these concepts (e.g., static electricity, capacitors, lightning,
or electrostatic forces in technology).
 Photocopiers and Laser Printers – These devices use electrostatic charges to attract
toner (powdered ink) onto paper, forming images and text before being permanently fused.
 Air Purifiers and Electrostatic Precipitators – These use charged plates to remove dust,
smoke, and other particles from the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing industrial
pollution.
 Touchscreen Technology – Capacitive touchscreens in smartphones detect changes in
electric charge when a finger touches the surface, allowing interaction with the device.
 Lightning and Thunderstorms – Charge separation in clouds creates strong electrostatic
forces. Coulomb’s Law helps explain the attraction of opposite charges, leading to lightning
strikes when the electric field overcomes air resistance.
 Battery-Powered Devices – Batteries store electric potential energy in chemical form.
When connected to a circuit, this energy is converted into electrical energy, powering
devices like phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

2) PROBLEM-SOLVING:
 Solve at least three numerical problems related to Coulomb’s Law and electric potential
energy. Justify each solution with proper equations and step-by-step explanations.

1. After rubbing a balloon against your hair, the balloon becomes negatively charged
due to the transfer of electrons. When you bring it near tiny paper pieces, they jump
toward the balloon.
(a) If the charge on the balloon is -3.0 x 10-6 C and the pieces of paper are 0.05 m away
from it, what is the magnitude of the electric field at that point?
(b) If a small piece of paper has a charge of +1.0 x 10-9 C, what is the force exerted
on it by the balloon's electric field?
Given:
 Charge on the balloon: 𝑄 = −3.0 × 10−6
 Distance from the balloon: 𝑟 = 0.05 𝑚
 Charge on the paper: 𝑞 = +1.0 × 10−9
 Coulomb’s constant: 𝑘 = 9.0 × 109 𝑁 ⋅ 𝑚2 /𝐶 2

Solution for (a): Electric Field at 0.05m

The electric field created by a point charge is given by Coulomb’s Law:

∣𝑸∣
𝑬=𝒌
𝒓𝟐
Where:

 E is the electric field (Newtons per Coulomb, N/C)

 k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99 × 109 Nm²/C²)
 q is the source charge (C)
 r is the distance from the charge (m)

Step 1: Substitute the given values

2
(9.0 × 109 Nm2 /C ) ∣ (−3.0 × 10−6 C) ∣
𝐸=
(0.05 m)2

Step 2: Compute the square of the distance

(0.05)2 = 0.0025 m2

Step 3: Multiply the numerator

9 2 2 −6 3
Nm2
9.0 × 10 Nm /C ×∣ 3.0 × 10 𝐶 ∣=∣ 27.0 × 10 2 /𝐶 ∣
C
Step 4: Divide by the denominator
Nm2
∣ 27.0 × 103 2 /𝐶 ∣
𝐸= C
0.0025 m2
Step 5: Compute the absolute value
𝐸 = −1.08 × 107 N/C
𝐸 = 1.08 × 107 N/C
Conclusion: The electric field at this point is 1.08 × 107 N/C, directed toward the negatively
charged balloon.

Solution for (b): Force on a Small Piece of Paper

The force exerted on the charge by the electric field is:

𝑭 = 𝒒𝑬
Step 1: Substituting the given values
𝐹 = (1.0 × 10−9 C)(1.08 × 107 N/C)
Step 2: Multiply and compute the force
𝐹 = 1.08 × 10−2 N or 𝐹 = 0.0108 N

Conclusion: The force on the paper is 1.08 × 10−2 𝑁. Since the paper has a positive charge,
it is attracted to the negatively charged balloon.

2. Scenario: Imagine standing by a window on a stormy day. If strong winds carry charged dust
particles through the open window, you can imagine an electric flux passing through the
opening.
Problem: Suppose an electric field of 500 N/C is passing perpendicularly through an open
window that has a rectangular area of 1.5 m²

(a) What is the total electric flux through the window?

(b) If the angle of the electric field changes to 30° with respect to the window, what is
the new electric flux.
Given:
 Electric field strength: 𝐸 = 500
 Area of the window: 𝐴 = 1.5 m²
 Angle 𝜃 = 30∘ (for part b)

Solving for (a): Total Electric Flux

The formula for electric flux when the field is perpendicular to the surface is:
𝚽𝐄 = 𝑬𝑨
Where:
 ΦE is the electric flux (Nm²/C)
 E is the electric field (N/C)
 A is the surface area (m²)

Step 1: Substitute and multiply the known values

Φ = (500) × (1.5)
Step 2: Compute for Electric Flux
Φ = 750 Nm2 /C
Conclusion: The total electric flux is 750 Nm²/C when the electric field is perpendicular to
the window.

Solving for (b): Electric Flux when the field is at 30°

When the electric field is at an angle θ, the formula is:
𝚽 = 𝑬𝑨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
Where:
 ΦE is the electric flux (Nm²/C)
 E is the electric field (N/C)
 A is the surface area (m²)
 θ is the angle between the electric field and the normal (perpendicular) to the
surface

Step 1: Substitute the known values

𝚽𝐄 = (500 N/C)(1.5 m2 )cos 30∘

Step 2: Using cos 30∘ = 0.866

𝚽𝐄 = 750 × 0.866

Step 3: Multiply the known values

𝚽𝐄 = 649.5 Nm2 /C

Conclusion: The electric flux is 649.5 Nm²/C when the electric field makes a 30° angle with
the surface.

3. Scenario: You rub two plastic rods with wool cloth, making them negatively charged.
When you bring them close together, they repel each other.

Problem: Two plastic rods, each carrying a charge of -2.0 x 10-6 C, are placed
0.2 m apart.

(a) What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them?

(b) If you double the distance between the rods, how does the force change?
Given:
 Charge on each rod: 𝑄1 = 𝑄2 = −2.0 × 10−6 𝐶
 Distance between rods: 𝑟 = 0.2 𝑚
 Coulomb’s constant: 𝑘 = 9.0 × 109 N · m²/C²

Solutions for (a): Finding the Electrostatic Force

Coulomb's Law describes the force between two electric charges. It states that:

∣ 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 ∣
𝑭=𝒌
𝒓𝟐
Where:
 F is the electrostatic force (Newtons, N)
 k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99 × 109 Nm²/C²)
 q1and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges (Coulombs, C)
 r is the distance between the charges (meters, m)

Step 1: Substituting the Given Values

2
(9.0 × 109 Nm2 /C ) ∣ (2.0 × 10−6 C × 2.0 × 10−6 C) ∣
𝐹=
(0.2 m)2
Step 2: Calculate the numerator
2 2
(9.0 × 109 Nm2 /C ) ∣ (4.0 × 10−12 C ) ∣
𝐹=
0.04 m2

Step 3: Calculate the denominator

3.6 × 10−2 Nm2
𝐹=
0.04 m2
Step 4: Compute the force
𝑭 = 𝟎. 𝟗 N
Conclusion: Since both charges are negative, they repel each other. The force is directed
away from the other charge.

Final Answer: 𝑭 = 𝟎. 𝟗 (repulsive force)

Solution for (b): Effect of Doubling the Distance

If the distance between the rods is doubled:
𝑟 ′ = 2𝑟 = 2(0.2) = 0.4 m
Using Coulomb’s law, the new force is:
𝒌 ∣ 𝑸𝟏 𝑸𝟐 ∣ 𝑭
𝑭′ = =
(𝟐𝒓)𝟐 𝟒
Step 1: Substituting the given values
0.9 N
𝐹′ =
4
Step 2: Divide the given values
𝑭′ = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟓 N
Conclusion: When the distance between the rods doubles, the force decreases to 0.225 N.

3) SUGGESTED EXPERIMENTAL OR SIMULATION ACTIVITY: (Document the experiment)

 Hands-on Experiment: Use balloons, plastic rods, and small paper pieces to demonstrate
electric charge interactions and analyze the forces involved.

Hands-on Experiment: Observing Electrostatic Interactions

Materials:
• Balloons
• Plastic rods
• Small paper pieces
• Wool cloth
Procedure:

Part A:
1. Inflate a balloon and tie it securely.
2. Rub the balloon against a wool cloth for about 30 seconds to transfer electrons.
3. Bring the charged balloon near small paper pieces and observe if they get attracted.

Figure 1. Rubbing Balloon Experiment

Part B:
4. Take a plastic rod and rub it with wool to induce charge.
5. Hold the rod near the balloon and observe any attraction or repulsion.
6. Charge two plastic rods in the same way and bring them close to each other.
Observe the interaction.

Figure 2. Rubbing Rod and Balloon Experiment

 Charging by Friction
When a balloon or a plastic rod is rubbed against a wool cloth, electrons transfer between
the materials. This transfer creates a charge imbalance—one object becomes negatively
charged (gains electrons), and positively charged (loses electrons).

 Attraction of Neutral Objects

When the charged balloon is brought near small paper pieces, the paper is attracted to it.
This happens due to electrostatic induction, where the electrons in the neutral paper rearrange
in response to the charged balloon, creating a temporary attraction.

 Like Charges Repel, Opposite Charges Attract

 When two charged plastic rods (both rubbed with wool) are brought close together, they
repel each other, demonstrating that like charges repel.
 When a charged rod is brought near a balloon charged with an opposite charge, they
attract, showing that opposite charges attract.

 Relationship to Coulomb’s Law

The forces observed in the experiment are governed by Coulomb’s Law, which states
that the electrostatic force depends on the magnitude of the charges and the distance between
them. The closer the objects, the stronger the force.

4) REPORT AND PRESENTATION:

 Compile findings in a detailed report including:
• A brief introduction to electric charge and forces
• Solutions to numerical problems
• Observations from the experiment
• A conclusion summarizing key takeaways
Introduction
Electric charge is a property of matter that causes a force in an electric field. Charges can be
positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (0). Like charges repel, and opposite charges attract. A neutral
charge means an object has the same number of protons and electrons. This results in no net charge.
The unit of charge is the coulomb (C). Electrons have a charge of -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, and protons have +1.6
× 10⁻¹⁹ C. Neutral objects do not create electric forces unless a charged object is near them, and it is
called polarization.
Electricity is an important force in nature. It affects both tiny atoms and large objects. This report
explains electric charge, Coulomb’s Law, and electric potential energy. It also shows real-life examples.
We use problem-solving and experiments to show how electric forces work.

Solutions to numerical problems

4. Scenario: You rub two plastic rods with wool cloth, making them negatively charged.
When you bring them close together, they repel each other.

Problem: Two plastic rods, each carrying a charge of -2.0 x 10-6 C, are placed
0.2 m apart.

(c) What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them?

(d) If you double the distance between the rods, how does the force change?
Given:
 Charge on each rod: 𝑄1 = 𝑄2 = −2.0 × 10−6 𝐶
 Distance between rods: 𝑟 = 0.2 𝑚
 Coulomb’s constant: 𝑘 = 9.0 × 109 N · m²/C²

Solutions for (a): Finding the Electrostatic Force

Coulomb's Law describes the force between two electric charges. It states that:

∣ 𝑞1 𝑞2 ∣
𝐹=𝑘
𝑟2

Where:
 F is the electrostatic force (Newtons, N)
 k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99 × 109 Nm²/C²)
 q1and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges (Coulombs, C)
 r is the distance between the charges (meters, m)

Step 1: Substituting the Given Values

2
(9.0 × 109 Nm2 /C )(2.0 × 10−6 C × 2.0 × 10−6 C)
𝐹=
(0.2 m)2
Step 2: Calculate the numerator
2 2
(9.0 × 109 Nm2 /C )(4.0 × 10−12 C )
𝐹=
0.04 m2

Step 3: Calculate the denominator

3.6 × 10−2 Nm2
𝐹=
0.04 m2
Step 4: Compute the force
𝑭 = 𝟎. 𝟗 N
Conclusion: Since both charges are negative, they repel each other. The force is directed
away from the other charge.

Final Answer: 𝑭 = 𝟎. 𝟗 (repulsive force)

Solution for (b): Effect of Doubling the Distance

If the distance between the rods is doubled:
𝑟 ′ = 2𝑟 = 2(0.2) = 0.4 m
Using Coulomb’s law, the new force is:
𝒌 ∣ 𝑸𝟏 𝑸𝟐 ∣ 𝑭
𝑭′ = =
(𝟐𝒓)𝟐 𝟒
Step 1: Substituting the given values
0.9 N
𝐹′ =
4
Step 2: Divide the given values
𝑭′ = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟓 N
Conclusion: When the distance between the rods doubles, the force decreases to 0.225 N.
Observations
 The balloon attracted the paper pieces due to induced polarization.
 The plastic rod, when charged, showed attraction or repulsion depending on the charge
interaction.
 Similarly charged plastic rods repelled each other.
 The experiment demonstrated charge transfer and electrostatic forces in action.

Conclusion
This investigation highlighted fundamental electric interactions, demonstrating Coulomb’s Law,
electric potential energy, and charge behavior in everyday scenarios. The problem-solving exercises
reinforced these concepts, while the experiment provided a visual understanding of electrostatic forces.
These principles are essential in fields like electronics, engineering, and atmospheric science.

References

Libretexts. (2020). 17.5: Electric Flux and Gauss’s Law. Physics

LibreTexts.https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/University_Physics/Physics_%28Boundless
%29/17%3A_Electric_Charge_and_Field/17.5%3A_Electric_Flux_and_Gausss_Law?

Nave, C. R. (n.d.). Coulomb’s Law - HyperPhysics. Georgia State University. Retrieved from
https://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/

Physics Tutorial: Coulomb’s Law. (n.d.). Static Electricity - Lesson 3 - Electric Force Coulomb's Law.
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/lesson- 3/coulomb-s-law

Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2019). University physics with modern physics (15th ed.). Pearson.

Members:

ARMADA, Jessa May MACATANONG, Nash H.

CULANAG, Lheyla Francesca PRADANOS, Dinize A.
MACABODBOD, Jared M. VILLAVER, Kristina Cassandra A