Calculating Net Force on a Charge at the Center of a Square

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net force on a charge placed at the center of a square formed by four other charges located at the corners. The charges are defined as A = 6q, B = 2q, C = 3q, D = 6q, and E = -1q, where q = 1.00 × 10-7C, and the side length of the square is 85.0 cm. The net force in the x-direction was incorrectly calculated as -0.002995 N due to miscalculations in the x-components of the forces from each corner charge. The correct approach involves considering the geometry of the problem and the directions of the forces acting on the center charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law for force calculations (F = kq1q2/r2)
  • Basic knowledge of vector components and trigonometry (cosine functions)
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean theorem for distance calculations
  • Concept of electric charge and its properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Study vector decomposition and how to calculate x and y components of forces
  • Learn about the geometry of charge configurations, particularly in square arrangements
  • Explore the implications of charge signs on force direction and magnitude
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Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone involved in solving problems related to electric forces and charge interactions.

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Homework Statement


Four charges Aq,Bq,Cq, and Dq (q = 1.00 × 10-7C) sit in a plane at the corners of a square whose sides have length d = 85.0 cm, as shown in the diagram below. A charge, Eq, is placed at the origin at the center of the square.

DATA: A = 6, B = 2, C = 3, D = 6, E = -1. Consider the charge at the center of the square. What is the net force, in the x-direction, on this charge?


Homework Equations


F=kq1q2/r^2



The Attempt at a Solution


F1=(9*10^9)(6*10^-7(-1*10^-7)/(.601^2)-because it is a square, I took half the distance of the square and found the hypotenuse. Then I used that for the distance between the charges.
So,
F2=(9*10^9)(6*10^-7(-1*10^-7)/(.601^2)-
F3=(9*10^9)(3*10^-7(-1*10^-7)/(.601^2)-
F4=(9*10^9)(3*10^-7(-1*10^-7)/(.601^2)-
Then I multiplied each one by cos(45) and found the x-components
-.000528, -.000352, -.001057, -.001057
Then I added all of them together
so total Frx=-.002995 N
But that's wrong. I don't know what I did wrong. Thank you for helping me.
 
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Im having the same problem can anyone help except the problem wants you to find the total charge on a corner and can't figure out how to find the diagonal
 
Liketothink: Think about the geometry of the problem. Two charges are on the left of the centre and two are on the right, moreover all the charges are attracting the centre charge. Draw a picture and think carefully about the signs/directions of each force.

(Or think this way: is cos(135)=cos(45)?)

mustang1988: I don't understand what you're asking. Find the total CHARGE on a corner? You're given all the charges. Find what about the diagonal? It's length can be found by Pythagoras' theorem.
 

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