One reason that a gecko (a small lizard with a mass of around \(75\) grams) can walk across a ceiling is the electric force. If we assume the magnitude of the electric field acting on the gecko is \(10^6 \mathrm{~N/C}\text{,}\) determine the net charge on the gecko’s feet.
Tip.
Numerical sensemaking: explain why, for example, an elephant might have a tough time walking across a ceiling.
A*R*C*S20.11.2.A Charged Spring.
A massless horizontal spring is attached to a support at one end and has a \(2.0\)\(\mu \mathrm{C}\) charge glued to the other end. A \(4.0\)\(\mu \mathrm{C}\) charge is slowly brought near. The spring has compressed \(1.2 \)\(\mathrm{cm}\) when the charges are \(2.6\)\(\mathrm{cm}\) apart. What is the spring constant of the spring?
SubsectionMetacognitive Reflection
Choose one of the equations that you made use of during this unit on electric fields. Identify a similar model or equation that you have used previously when studying the gravitational field. Write a few sentences comparing and contrasting the electric field and gravitational field.
