Calculating Electric Forces and Acceleration in a Charged System

[Coco12]

Homework Statement

5. An alpha particle ( 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is placed between two stationary, charged objects. It is 0.0030 m to the right of the object carrying a +1.0 X 10-12 C charge, and 0.0020 m to the left of the object carrying a -2.0 X 10-12 C charge. Draw a picture and determine:

a) the magnitude and direction of the electrical force acting on the alpha particle.

b) the rate and direction of the acceleration of the alpha particle.

Homework Equations

F=kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I just don't understand I have the charge of the objects on both ends but I don't have the charge of the particle in the middle so how am I going to solve it?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi Coco12. Do protons carry an electric charge?

 

[Coco12]

Yes positive

 

[Coco12]

Is it 2+

 

[Coco12]

Do I just do 9*10^9(1*10^-19)(2)/ .0030^2

And then the same for the other object ?

 

[Coco12]

Nvm I got it!

 

[Coco12]

Have to use charge of electrons