- #1
Calculating Forces on Charged Particles Using Vector Components
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around calculating the force on a charged particle, specifically a +8 micro-Coulomb charge, using vector components in the i, j, k format. Participants are exploring the application of electric field concepts and vector decomposition in this context.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the formula for calculating force due to an electric field and the need to consider contributions from multiple charges. There is an exploration of how to express the resultant force in vector components, with questions about the use of trigonometric functions for this purpose.
Discussion Status
The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the calculations and seeking clarification on the reasoning behind using cosine and sine in vector decomposition. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance on the importance of expressing vectors in component form has been shared.
Contextual Notes
Participants are working with a specific electric field strength provided in the discussion and are required to express their answers in a particular vector format. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the starting point for the calculations.
- #2
Delphi51
Homework Helper
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Use the formula for electric field causing a force on a charge: Fe = q*E
- #3
inconceivable
- 5
- 0
got that. that's where the 1.6 x 10^-4 came from.
- #4
Delphi51
Homework Helper
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Are you finished then, or do you need to add the electric field due to the other charge? A good idea to show formula and numbers - the answer is not much of a clue as to what you have done.
- #5
inconceivable
- 5
- 0
electric field strength is on the image - 20 N/C
the issue here is, they want it in i, j k format
the issue here is, they want it in i, j k format
- #6
Delphi51
Homework Helper
- 3,406
- 11
Okay.
1.6 x 10^-4 * cos(60) i + 1.6 x 10^-4 * sin(60) j + 0k
1.6 x 10^-4 * cos(60) i + 1.6 x 10^-4 * sin(60) j + 0k
- #7
inconceivable
- 5
- 0
thanks delphi. can you explain the cos and sin portion a bit? i never really could understand why those are used to express a single side of a triangle
- #8
Delphi51
Homework Helper
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- 11
Expressing a vector as a horizontal part plus a vertical part makes it very convenient to add vectors (just add the h and v parts separately without worrying about angles). Also, in something like a trajectory problem the motion in two perpendicular directions is independent, so you can do the horizontal part of the problem without worrying about the vertical part.
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