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Electricity and Magnetism - Theory & Concepts - Coulombs Law

Electricity and Magnetism (Electromagnetism) govern the interactions between electrically charged particles. This field is foundational for electrical engineering, power transmission, and electronics.

Open the complete lesson
Interactive engineering simulation

Coulomb's Law Electrostatic Simulator

Adjust the charges on two point particles and see how the electrostatic force scales with charge magnitudes and separation distance. Opposite charges attract; like charges repel.

Attracts
Charge q1
5 μC
μC
-10–10

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Charge q2
-5 μC
μC
-10–10

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Distance r
10 cm
cm
2–20

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Governing Formula
F=ke⋅∣q1⋅q2∣r2F = k_e \cdot \frac{|q_1 \cdot q_2|}{r^2}

Where electrostatic constant $k_e \approx 8.99 \times 10^9 \text{ N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{C}^2$. Force is proportional to charge product and inversely proportional to $r^2$.

Coulomb electrostatic charge interactions and vector forcesr = 10 cmF₁₂F₂₁Charge 1: 5 μC+5Charge 2: -5 μC-5
Force magnitude (F)
22.47 N
Interaction Type
Attractive
Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

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