What is the distance of the third charge?

[haengbon]

Homework Statement

Three point charges, 3.0 \muc, -5.0\muc and 0 \muc.

If the distance from point 1 (3.0) and point 2 (-5.0) is 40m, what is the distance from point 2 to point 3?

Homework Equations

coulombs law


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The Attempt at a Solution

I don't know how to start this :(

 

[rl.bhat]

The problem is not clear. Whether the third body is neutral?
Are they in equilibrium?

 

[haengbon]

I'm not really sure since I only remembered this problem by memory :( but if the third body WAS neutral and they ARE in equilibrium, how would you answer this? :D

 

[rl.bhat]

I'm not really sure since I only remembered this problem by memory :( but if the third body WAS neutral and they ARE in equilibrium, how would you answer this? :D

If the third body WAS neutral and they cannot be in equilibrium

 

[haengbon]

If the third body WAS neutral and they cannot be in equilibrium

um, if that's so, is it then possible to be solved?

I need to use this formula :D ?

Fe = \frac{ Kq1q2 }{ r2 }

 

[ideasrule]

No. Just think about it. If the third body is neutral, the other two would attract each other, accelerate towards each other, and eventually collide.