Magnitude and direction of the net force on charge -3Q and charge 4Q

In summary, there are four charges located at the corners of a square and the task is to calculate the magnitude and direction of the net force on charge -3Q and charge 4Q. The relevant equations are F= K(q1)(q2)/r^2 and K= 8.99x10^9. The suggested approach is to draw three vectors through charge -3Q, representing the forces from the other three charges, and add their components to find the net force.
  • #1
balletgirl
36
0

Homework Statement



Four charges are located at the corners of a square as shown below. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net force on charge -3Q and charge 4Q.

(sorry don't have picture, but it is of a square with corners -Q, 2Q, -3Q, and 4Q clockwise).


Homework Equations



F= K(q1)(q2)/r^2

K= 8.99x10^9

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand how to start with the information I've been given, it seems like its not enough.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi balletgirl! :wink:

Start with the charge of -3Q.

Draw the three vectors through it representing the forces from the other three charges.

Then add those three vectors by adding their components …

what do you get? :smile:
 

1. What is the net force on charge -3Q and charge 4Q?

The net force on charge -3Q and charge 4Q is the vector sum of the individual forces acting on each charge. It takes into account both the direction and magnitude of each force.

2. How do you calculate the net force on two charges?

To calculate the net force on two charges, you first need to find the individual forces acting on each charge using Coulomb's Law. Then, you can use vector addition to find the total force by adding the individual forces in the x and y directions.

3. What factors affect the magnitude and direction of the net force on two charges?

The magnitude and direction of the net force on two charges is affected by the distance between the charges, the magnitude of the charges, and the medium in which the charges are located. Additionally, the direction of the net force depends on the relative positions of the two charges.

4. Can the net force on two charges ever be zero?

Yes, the net force on two charges can be zero if the charges are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, or if they are placed at equal distances from a third charge.

5. How does the net force on two charges change as the distance between them increases?

As the distance between two charges increases, the magnitude of the net force decreases. This is because the electric force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The direction of the net force remains the same as long as the relative positions of the charges do not change.

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
956
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
583
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
782
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
3K
Back
Top