Point charges in an equilateral triangle

In summary, the conversation discusses the placement of a 4th charge at the midpoint between one of the sides of an equilateral triangle with three positive point charges located at each of the vertices. The question is whether this 4th charge can be positioned in a way that would result in a zero force acting on it. One response suggests that a fourth charge would be necessary to cancel out the force from the opposite point charge, while another response hints at a more scientific approach to solving the problem.
  • #1
mbenade
2
0
In an equilateral triangle a positive point charge +q is located at each of the vertices. If a 4th charge is added at the midpoint between one of the sides could this charge be such that the force on it would be zero?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi mbenade! Welcome to PF! :wink:
mbenade said:
In an equilateral triangle a positive point charge +q is located at each of the vertices. If a 4th charge is added at the midpoint between one of the sides could this charge be such that the force on it would be zero?

What do you think? :smile:
 
  • #3
I think everytime tiny tim decides to help someone through with a problem I am going to come in behind him and tell the asker all the answers in some feeble and embarrassing attempt to steal his thunder. But he's right...what do you think
 
  • #4
my first answer would be no because a forth charge would be needed to cancel out the force on the new point charge by the opposite pt charge, but I am not sure.
 
  • #5
Hi mbenade! :smile:
mbenade said:
my first answer would be no because a forth charge would be needed to cancel out the force on the new point charge by the opposite pt charge, but I am not sure.

hmmm … yes, but not very scientific-sounding …

Hint: do any of the charges cancel out (at that midpoint)? :wink:​
 

FAQ: Point charges in an equilateral triangle

What is a point charge?

A point charge is a hypothetical concept used in physics to represent an electric charge that is concentrated at a single point in space. It is often used to simplify calculations and understand the behavior of electric charges.

How is an equilateral triangle formed?

An equilateral triangle is a three-sided polygon where all three sides are equal in length and all three angles are equal to 60 degrees. It can be formed by connecting three points that are equidistant from each other.

How are point charges arranged in an equilateral triangle?

In an equilateral triangle, point charges are arranged at the three vertices of the triangle. This creates a symmetric distribution of charges with equal distances between each charge.

What is the electric field at the center of an equilateral triangle of point charges?

The electric field at the center of an equilateral triangle of point charges is zero. This is because the electric fields created by each charge cancel out due to the symmetry of the triangle.

How does the magnitude of the electric field change as the distance from the center of the triangle increases?

The magnitude of the electric field decreases as the distance from the center of the triangle increases. This is because the electric fields created by each point charge weaken with distance, and the net electric field at a point is the vector sum of all the individual electric fields.

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