Three Point Charges, find the electric force exerted

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric force exerted on a fourth charge (+3 nC) by three other charges (+2 nC, -2 nC) positioned at the corners of a square. The user initially computes the forces from each charge but encounters errors in their calculations, particularly with the distance and resultant force vector. After receiving feedback, they correct the distance calculation for the diagonal force and verify the values used for the charges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate values and calculations in determining the net electric force. Overall, the thread highlights common challenges in solving electrostatic problems involving multiple charges.
m00nbeam360
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Three charges, each of magnitude 2 nC, are at separate corners of a square of edge length 1 cm. The two charges at opposite corners are positive, and the other charge is negative. Find the force exerted by these charges on a fourth charge q = +3 nC at the remaining (upper right) corner. (Assume the +x axis is directed to the right and the +y axis is directed upward.)


Homework Equations


k = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)


The Attempt at a Solution



Drew a diagram of the problem such that F4 = F1,4 + F2,4 + F 3,4.

F1,4 = (k*q1*q4)/(r(1,4)^2)j

F1,4 = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00*10^-9)*((2.00*10^-9)/(0.01m)^2)

= 3.595 * 10^-4 j

F2,4 = same

F3,4 = (k*q1*q2)/(r(2,4)^2)*r(3,4)

r(3,4) = r(3,1) + r(1,4) = (0.01m)i + (0.01m)j

r(3,4) = (0.01m)i+(0.01m)j/(sqrt(0.01m^2+0.01m^2)) = 0.14i + 0.14j

F3,4 = (8.988*10^9) (-2.00*10^-9)(2.00*10^-9)/(0.01sqrt(2)^2)*(0.14i+0.14j)

= -2.52 * 10 ^ -5

(3.595 * 10^-4) i - (-2.52*10^-5) i = 3.34*10^-4i <--- Wrong :(
(3.595 * 10^-4) j - (-2.52*10^-5) j = 3.34*10^-4j <--- Wrong :(


Any suggestions?? I think that somewhere in computing F3,4 I put in an incorrect number. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
m00nbeam360 said:
r(3,4) = (0.01m)i+(0.01m)j/(sqrt(0.01m^2+0.01m^2)) = 0.14i + 0.14j

Check this.
 
Whoa, got .707 now, thanks. So then is everything else correct?
 
m00nbeam360 said:
F1,4 = (k*q1*q4)/(r(1,4)^2)j

F1,4 = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00*10^-9)*((2.00*10^-9)/(0.01m)^2)

= 3.595 * 10^-4 j

Did you use the correct value for q4 here?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top