Calculating Electric Force on q3 in Meters: A Superposition Approach

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric force on charge q3 using a superposition approach, with specific focus on the x and y components of the forces exerted by charges q1 and q2. The problem involves understanding the distances between charges and the directions of the forces involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of superposition to calculate the net force on q3, breaking it down into x and y components. Questions arise regarding the values used for distances r13 and r23, as well as the coordinates for x and y. There is also mention of potential round-off errors affecting the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications on the calculations and questioning the accuracy of the values used. One participant notes a specific issue with significant figures in their submission, indicating that minor details can impact the results significantly.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of online homework submissions, which may impose strict requirements on significant figures and rounding. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for small errors to lead to incorrect answers in the context of the problem.

veevee
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(x,y) axis in meters

q1=60microC (0,1)
q2=-34microC (2,0)
q3=13microC (2,2)

Fx3=? Fy3=?

i used superposition
F(net on 3)=F13+F23

broke it down into x and y components
Fx=(kq1q3/r13^2)(x/r13)
Fy=(kq1q3/r13^2)(y/r13) - (kq2q3/r23^2)

plugging in the numbers i got
Fx=1.3
Fy=-0.4

mastering physics says its wrong, and I can't seem to figure out where I went wrong...any suggestions?
 
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What did you use for r13, r23, x, and y ?

Be careful regarding the direction of the forces.
 
r13=sqrt(x2+y2)=sqrt(4+1)=2.2m

r23=2m

x=2
y=1
 
It might be simply too much round-off error.

(sqrt(5))2 = 5

2.22 = 4.84
 
the problem was i was entering 1 sig fig not 2 for Fy lol...online homework submissions...they'll waste your time for the simplest reasons..thanks though :)))
 

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