Calculate the total force on Q1

In summary, the total force on Q1 is 0.0150528 N, with a positive value indicating a force directed to the right. This is calculated by first finding the individual forces on Q1 from Q2 and Q3, which are 0.0200704 N and -0.0050176 N respectively, and then adding them together. The negative value for the force from Q3 is due to the opposite charges of Q1 and Q3, resulting in an attractive force.
  • #1
JustAStudent
14
0

Homework Statement


Q1<------>Q2<------>Q3


  1. In the above figure, the distance between Q1 and Q2 is equal to the distance between Q2 and Q3. That distance is R=1.5 m.

  1. Q1= 2.24x10-6 C, Q2=+Q1 and Q3=-Q1.

  1. Calculate the total force on Q1. Give your answer with a positive number for a force directed to the right, or a negative number for a force directed to the left.

Homework Equations


|F|=((k)(Q1)(Q2))/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


|F13|=((k)(2.24E-6)(2.24E-6))/(1.5+1.5)^2
=0.0050176

Because Q1=positive and Q3=negative there is an attraction and therefore the value should be negative (to the left)

SO, =-0.0050176

|F12| =((k)(2.24E-6)(2.24E-6))/(1.5)^2
=0.0200704

Because Q1=positive and Q2=positive, there is a repulsion and therefor the value should be positive (to the right)

SO: 0.0200704

Add them together to get the net force: -0.0050176 +0.0200704=0.0150528

I have no idea what I am doing wrong
 
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  • #2
JustAStudent said:
Because Q1=positive and Q3=negative there is an attraction and therefore the value should be negative (to the left)
If they attract then the force on Q1 from Q3 should be toward Q3 and thus to the right.
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
If they attract then the force on Q1 from Q3 should be toward Q3 and thus to the right.
Okay, so I'm thinking of it incorrectly then. Force of Q3 ON Q1 means which way Q1 is going (attraction v repulsion) and not which way Q3 is going?
 
  • #4
JustAStudent said:
Okay, so I'm thinking of it incorrectly then. Force of Q3 ON Q1 means which way Q1 is going (attraction v repulsion) and not which way Q3 is going?
Correct. The attraction between Q1 and Q3 creates a force on Q1 to the right and a force on Q3 to the left. But all you care about here are the forces on Q1.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the total force on Q1?

The formula for calculating the total force on Q1 is F = k*q1*q2/r^2, where F is the total force, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

2. How do I determine the direction of the total force on Q1?

The direction of the total force on Q1 can be determined by using the principle of superposition. This states that the total force is the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on Q1. So, if Q1 has a positive charge, the total force will be repulsive, and if Q1 has a negative charge, the total force will be attractive.

3. Can the total force on Q1 be negative?

Yes, the total force on Q1 can be negative if the two objects have opposite charges. In this case, the force will be attractive, and the negative sign indicates the direction of the force towards Q1.

4. What units are used to measure the total force on Q1?

The total force on Q1 is typically measured in Newtons (N), which is the standard unit for force. However, the units for charge and distance can vary depending on the system of measurement used.

5. Is the total force on Q1 affected by the presence of other charges?

Yes, the total force on Q1 is affected by the presence of other charges. This is because the electric force is a vector quantity and is dependent on the charges and distances of all the objects involved. The presence of other charges can change the direction and magnitude of the total force on Q1.

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