Calculating Electrostatic Force: q1 and q2

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electrostatic force between two charged particles, q1 and q2, with known charges and coordinates. The magnitude of the force on q2 is calculated to be approximately 94.99 N, with a direction of -15.95° from the positive x-axis. The main challenge arises in determining the coordinates for a third charge, q3, such that the net force on it is zero due to q1 and q2. The poster struggles with the mathematical setup, suggesting that the forces should be analyzed in both x and y components to find the correct position for q3. The conversation highlights the complexities involved in solving electrostatic problems, particularly after a long gap in mathematical practice.
Laxman2974
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The charges and coordinates of two charged particles held fixed in an xy plane are q1 = +3.5 µC, x1 = 1.5 cm, y1 = 0.50 cm, and q2 = -4.0 µC, x2 = -2.0 cm, y2 = 1.5 cm.
(a) Find the magnitude of the electrostatic force on q2. Done I got this part =
94.98868N
(b) Find the direction of this force. Got this also =
-15.9453959° (counterclockwise from the +x axis)
(c) At what coordinates should a third charge q3 = +5.5 µC be placed such that the net electrostatic force on particle 3 due to particles 1 and 2 is zero?
Can't get this - saw problem solving methods for questions that are very similar in previous postings, but I can't get the math to work out

Homework Equations


Got as far as q1/x^2 = q2/(x+r)^2
r being the distance between q1 and q2 since q3 must lie to the right of q1


The Attempt at a Solution


many attempts at a solution - but its been 15 years since I have done significant math and I can't get anywhere now.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
the equation you gave in part 2 is may not be right since q3 may not be located on the same Y value as q1. The equation would look more like:
\frac{q_1q_3}{x^2+y^2} = \frac{q_2q_3}{(r+\sqrt{x^2+y^2})^2} (where x is distance from q1 x-coordinate to q3 x-coordinate and y is dist from q1 y-coord to q3 x-coord)

Now I'm not sure if this is the only way to solve this but I would start with equating the x-components of the forces aka F_{1-3x} = F_{2-3x} and then do the same for y.
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
10K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K