Direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force

In summary, to find the direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force exerted on q2, use Coulomb's Law and the principle of superposition. The force is a vector along the line between each charge and the net force is the sum of the forces exerted by each separate particle. Remember to choose a frame of reference and use vector addition.
  • #1
rice_racerus
2
0
Find the direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force exerted on the point charge q2 in Figure 19-31. Let q = +1.8 µC and d = 41 cm.
Direction ° (from the x-axis, which points to the right)
Magnitude N
*image of diagram*
http://www.webassign.net/walker/19-31.gif
 
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  • #2
i have found the components of all the charges, but don't know where to go after i get them, any help?
 
  • #3
Pick one charge, and figure the magnitude and direction for the attraction or repulsion of the other three charges.

The electrostatic force (vector) is along the line between each charge.

The net force (vector) on one charge is the sum of the forces (vector) due to the three other charges.

Remember - this is vector addition.

In the diagram, q2 (-) is attracted to q1 (+), but repelled by q3 (-) and q4 (-), along the lines between each charge.
 
  • #4
You need to choose a frame of reference, use Coulomb's Law and the principle of superposition (the total force exerted on q2 is sum of the forces exerted by each separate particle)...
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force

1. What is the direction of the net electrostatic force?

The direction of the net electrostatic force is determined by the relative charges of the objects involved. Opposite charges attract each other, so the force will point towards the object with the opposite charge. Similar charges repel each other, so the force will point away from the object with the same charge.

2. How is the magnitude of the net electrostatic force calculated?

The magnitude of the net electrostatic force is calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The equation is F = k * (q1 * q2 / r^2), where F is the force, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the objects, and r is the distance between them.

3. Can the direction of the net electrostatic force change?

Yes, the direction of the net electrostatic force can change if the relative positions or charges of the objects involved change. For example, if one of the objects is moved closer to or farther from the other, the force vector will change accordingly.

4. What factors affect the direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force?

The direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force are affected by the charges of the objects involved, the distance between them, and the medium in which they are placed. The force is stronger for objects with larger charges and closer distances, and weaker for objects in a medium with higher dielectric constant.

5. How does the direction and magnitude of the net electrostatic force relate to electric fields?

The direction of the net electrostatic force is always parallel to the direction of the electric field. The magnitude of the net electrostatic force is equal to the product of the magnitude of the electric field and the charge of the object experiencing the force. In other words, the electric field represents the force per unit charge at any given point in space.

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