What is the Net Force on the Top of an Equilateral Triangle?

In summary: Then you use pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the net force. Then you use inverse tangent to find the direction, but since Rx is 0, the direction is undefined.In summary, the problem statement involves calculating the net force on the top of an equilateral triangle using Coulomb's Law. This is due to the presence of negatively charged spheres attached to the triangle. The x and y components of the forces are found using trigonometry, and the overall net force is determined using Pythagorean theorem. However, since Rx is 0, the direction of the net force is undefined. Further information is needed, such as the permittivity of the turtle's shell,
  • #1
Coco12
272
0

Homework Statement



Lets say I have an equilateral triangle, and you are asked to calculate the net force on the top of the triangle

Homework Equations



Coulombs Law

The Attempt at a Solution


I know to use Coulombs law to find the forces acting on the top of the triangle, then since it is an equilateral triangle, the angle would be 60 degrees and you use that to find the x and y components of the forces acting on the top.
The x components of the the resultant would cancel out = 0
The y components would be some number. Then you would just use pythagorean theorem to find the overall net force. However when you find the direction: Tan inverse of Ry/Rx

Rx would be 0 therefore it is undefined. Does that mean that the direction of the net force on the top of the triangle would be 0 degrees?
 
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  • #2
Seems like your problem statement is missing some information. Why are you using Coulomb's Law? Are there some unmentioned charges attached to this triangle?
 
  • #3
SteamKing said:
Seems like your problem statement is missing some information. Why are you using Coulomb's Law? Are there some unmentioned charges attached to this triangle?

Yes there are. The spheres are all negatively charged and have the same charge
 
  • #4
I used coulombs law because it asked the find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force.
 
  • #5
And what is the permittivity of the turtle's shell?
 
  • #6
MrAnchovy said:
And what is the permittivity of the turtle's shell?

Ok what?
 
  • #7
Does anyone have any other input?
 
  • #8
You have not provided enough information for anyone to understand what you are talking about.

And see this FAQ.
 
  • #9
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1387281425.397433.jpg


U use columbs law for a on b and con b , then you draw it out on a Cartesian plane
Next you find the x and y components of each.
Then you add them together. The x components cancel out
 

Related to What is the Net Force on the Top of an Equilateral Triangle?

1. What is an equilateral triangle net force?

An equilateral triangle net force is a type of vector force that is represented by a triangle with all three sides of equal length. It is used to represent the combined effect of multiple forces acting on an object.

2. How is an equilateral triangle net force calculated?

An equilateral triangle net force is calculated by using the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the net force, and then using trigonometric functions to find the direction of the net force.

3. What is the significance of an equilateral triangle in net force calculations?

The equilateral triangle in net force calculations represents the balanced nature of the forces acting on an object. The equal length of the triangle's sides signifies that the net force is zero, meaning the object is either at rest or moving at a constant velocity.

4. Can an equilateral triangle net force ever be non-zero?

No, an equilateral triangle net force can only be non-zero if at least one of the forces acting on an object is not balanced by an equal and opposite force. In this case, the net force would be represented by a different type of triangle, such as a scalene or isosceles triangle.

5. How does the direction of the net force affect an object's motion?

The direction of the net force determines the direction of an object's motion. If the net force is in the same direction as the object's current motion, it will accelerate the object. If the net force is in the opposite direction, it will decelerate the object. If the net force is perpendicular to the object's motion, it will cause the object to change direction.

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