Basic physics, interactions between multiple electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions between multiple electrons arranged in a triangle and the calculation of forces experienced by one of the electrons. It explores the implications of considering only certain forces while neglecting others in a theoretical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of ignoring certain forces (the black colored force) in the calculation of net force on an electron, suggesting it may influence the other electrons.
  • Another participant asserts that when calculating the net force on one charge, only the forces acting on that charge should be considered, implying that interactions between other charges do not affect this calculation.
  • A later reply indicates that the neglected force would be relevant if the charges were not fixed and their positions were changing over time, but suggests that this is not the case in the current scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of certain forces in the context of fixed versus moving charges, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion assumes a simplified model of electrons and does not address the complexities of real electron interactions or the implications of fixed versus mobile charges.

tja2468
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I have always wondered about this particular problem, when three electrons are arranged in a triangle and the question was to calculate the force experienced by one of the electrons. My physics teacher taught us that we only care about the forces colored in red and blue, totally ignoring the black colored one. But then, wouldn't the black colored force affect the other two electrons and cause the magnitude and direction of the forces to deviate a little? I am aware that this is an extremely ideal model of electrons, and is unrealistic. Thanks in advance :smile:
 

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When calculating the net force on charge 1, only forces on charge 1 count. The fact that charges 2 and 3 exert forces on each other has nothing to do with the forces they exert on charge 1.
 
Thanks for your quick response, that was really helpful and cleared up my confusion :)
 
the black line would be important if your charges were not fixed in place and free to move and you were interested in how the particles positions change in time. But you're probably not.
 

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