Find the Force and Direction of a charge

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem involving the calculation of forces on charges at different distances. The problem presents a diagram and provides equations for determining the forces. However, there is confusion about whether the calculation is meant for the initial or final position of the charges. It is suggested that a differential equation may need to be solved to accurately calculate the forces.
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Homework Statement


http://www.brainmass.com/homework-help/physics/electromagnetic-theory/98519
That site has the diagram of the Lab and distances.

Rg-r=sqrt 3.7092 + .5332 = 3.75
Fg-r= K(q1)(q2)/Rg-r2= (8.99x109)(1x10-5)(1x10-5)/3.752 = .064
angle 1 = tan-1(.533/3.709) = 8.18 degrees

Rb-r=sqrt 2.5532 + 2.7092 = 3.72
Fb-r= K(q1)(q2)/Rg-r2= (8.99x109)(1x10-5)(1x10-5)/3.722 = .065
angle 1 = tan-1(2.533/2.709) = 43 degrees

Fxg-r = (.064)Cosine8.18 = .063
Fyg-r = (.064Sine8.18 = .009

Fxb-r = (.065)Cosine43 = .048
Fyb-r = (.065)Sine43 = .044

Fx = .063 + .048 = .111
Fy = .009 + .044 = .053

Force = sqrt of .1112 + .0532 = .123N
Angle = tan-1(.64/.65) = 45 degrees + 8.18 = 53 degrees to the + X

The lab shows that the total Force = .185N
Where did I go wrong??
 
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  • #2
It's kind of hard to tell, but it looks like you calculated the force on the charge at t = 0, that is, as soon as it is released. The problem is asking for the force after 1 second. To figure it out you'd have to write and solve a differential equation for the charge's position as a function of time... seems like a rather unpleasant thing to have to do :-( Are you sure you're supposed to calculate this?
 

1. What is the force on a charge?

The force on a charge is the measure of the interaction between that charge and an electric or magnetic field. It is dependent on the magnitude of the charge, the strength of the field, and the direction of the field relative to the charge.

2. How do you calculate the force on a charge?

The force on a charge can be calculated using the equation F=qE, where F is the force in Newtons, q is the charge in Coulombs, and E is the electric field strength in Newtons per Coulomb.

3. How do you determine the direction of the force on a charge?

The direction of the force on a charge is determined by the direction of the electric or magnetic field in which the charge is placed. The force will always act in the direction of the field lines, away from positive charges and towards negative charges.

4. What is the relationship between the force and direction of a charge?

The force and direction of a charge are directly related. The magnitude of the force is determined by the charge and the strength of the field, while the direction of the force is determined by the direction of the field.

5. How does the force on a charge change if the strength of the field changes?

The force on a charge is directly proportional to the strength of the field. This means that as the strength of the field increases, the force on the charge will also increase. Similarly, if the strength of the field decreases, the force on the charge will also decrease.

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