Given: \( q_1 = +2 \, \mu\text{C} = 2 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{C} \), \( q_2 = -3 \, \mu\text{C} = -3 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{C} \), distance \( r = 10 \, \text{cm} = 0.1 \, \text{m} \), and Coulomb's constant \( k = 9 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2 / \text{C}^2 \).
Step 1: Formula for Electrostatic Force Coulomb's law states that the electrostatic force between two point charges is: \[ F = k \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2} \]
Step 2: Substitute the given values Substituting the provided values into the formula:
\[ F = (9 \times 10^9) \frac{|(2 \times 10^{-6})(-3 \times 10^{-6})|}{(0.1)^2} \]
\[ F = (9 \times 10^9) \times \frac{6 \times 10^{-12}}{0.01} \]
\[ F = 9 \times 10^9 \times 6 \times 10^{-10} = 9 \, \text{N} \]
Answer: The electrostatic force is 9 N, corresponding to option (b).