3 Point Charge Coulomb's Law problem

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves calculating the electric force on a +1.0 nanoC charge (C) in a right triangle configuration with two other charges: +0.8 nanoC (A) and -0.6 nanoC (B). Using Coulomb's Law, the force between charge C and charge B was calculated to be 1.5 N in the negative x direction. The distance between charges B and C was determined to be 0.06 m, and the angle for the force from A to C was found to be 37 degrees. After further calculations, the net electric force on charge C was concluded to be 1.2 N at an angle of 28 degrees from the negative x-axis. The discussion highlights the application of Coulomb's Law and geometry in solving the problem.
Kastner86
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Homework Statement



3 Point charges are fixed in place in a right triangle. What is the electric force on the +1.0 nanoC charge due to the other two charges?

Basically you have 3 charges in a right angle as decribed, let's call them A, B, and C. In the upper left you have A, +0.8 nanoC. 8cm directly below is B, -0.6 nanoC. To the right of B at unkown distance is C, +1.0 nanoC. the distance AC is given as 10 cm.

So what is the electric force on charge C?



Homework Equations



I know I need Coulomb's Law. FE=k\bulletq1\bulletq2/d2

The Attempt at a Solution



so first i convert all charges from nanoC to C to make things easier so the charges are:

A= 8e-7
B=-6e-7
C=1e-6

then i use pathagreom's theorum to find the distance BC, which is 0.06m.

Then I draw all the Force components on point C.

First I solve for FB using Coulomb's Law and get 1.5N in the -x direction.

This seems to fine. I get stuck when trying to get the forces between point A and C...

I can get the angles... sin-1(0.06/0.1)= 37 degrees.

but i honestly have no clue what to do next, and have been scouring resources on the net for a solution and finally ended up here, still with no answer... please help!
 
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hey thanks for everyone who looked at my question. i finally figured out the answer though! the net electric force on C should be 1.2 N at 28 degrees from the negative x axis
 
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