Charges set on 4 corners of a square

In summary, the problem involves finding the magnitude of the net force exerted by three positive charges and one negative charge placed at the corners of a square. By using the equation F = kq1q2/d^2 and the given values for Q and the side length of the square, the net force can be calculated by adding the forces exerted by the two adjacent positive charges and the third positive charge. The use of the Pythagorean theorem is also necessary in this calculation.
  • #1
jbirse
4
0

Homework Statement


Three point charges +Q are placed at three corners of a square, and a charge -Q is placed at the fourth corner. If Q = 1.00 milli-coulomb and the side of the square has length 1.00 m, find the magnitude of net force that the positive charges exert on the negative charge. |F|=


Homework Equations


F = kq1q2/d2
k = 8.99 x 109 N-m2/C2

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried this problem three times and i only have 2 more attempts to get it right so can anyone help me with this?
 
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  • #2
Sure, we can help you, but show us what work you've done on it first.
 
  • #3
You have to use pythagorean theorem to first find the total force F by the 2 charges adjacent to the negative charge. This force F would lie on the same direction as the force from the 3rd positive charge (and that is because the forces from the 2 adjacent charges are both equal in magnitude and vertical to each other) so to find the net force u just add F and the force from the 3rd charge.
 

FAQ: Charges set on 4 corners of a square

1. How do charges set on 4 corners of a square affect each other?

When charges are set on 4 corners of a square, they create an electric field that interacts with each other. The strength and direction of the electric field depends on the magnitude and distance between the charges.

2. What is the net electric field at the center of a square with charges on its corners?

The net electric field at the center of a square with charges on its corners is zero. This is because the electric fields created by each charge cancel each other out at the center due to their equal magnitudes and opposite directions.

3. How does the distance between charges affect the electric field at the center of the square?

The distance between charges has a direct impact on the strength of the electric field at the center of the square. The closer the charges are to each other, the stronger the electric field will be at the center.

4. Can the charges on the corners of a square be all positive or all negative?

Yes, the charges on the corners of a square can all be positive or all be negative. However, this will result in a non-zero net electric field at the center of the square, meaning the charges will repel or attract each other depending on their polarity.

5. How can the electric potential at the center of the square be calculated?

The electric potential at the center of the square can be calculated by summing up the electric potentials created by each individual charge at the center. This can be done using the equation V = kq/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance between the charge and the center.

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