Coulomb’s Law Calculator: Electrostatic Force

Calculate the exact electrostatic force between two point charges using our Coulomb’s Law Calculator. Easily determine whether the resulting force is attractive or repulsive based on the charges’ signs. This tool also automatically outputs the electric field generated by each charge at the other’s location. Perfect for physics assignments and electromagnetism problems.

Please fill out all fields with valid numbers (Distance > 0).

Charge 1 (q₁)

Charge 2 (q₂)

Distance between (r)

Electrostatic Force (F)

0 N

ATTRACTIVE

F = k × |q₁| × |q₂| / r²

Electric Fields (E = F/q)

Field at q₁:
0 N/C

Field at q₂:
0 N/C

Understanding Coulomb’s Law

Coulomb’s Law quantifies the amount of electrostatic force between two stationary, electrically charged particles. The magnitude of the electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion is directly proportional to the product of the magnitudes of charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula is expressed as F = k × |q₁| × |q₂| / r².

Force Types: Attractive vs Repulsive

Attractive Force: Occurs when the two point charges have opposite signs (e.g., one positive and one negative). They pull towards each other.
Repulsive Force: Occurs when the charges have the same sign (both positive, or both negative). They push away from each other.

Our simulator not only provides the force in Newtons but also derives the Electric Field (E = F/q) applied structurally at the location of each point charge.