Charges on a square - find forces

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the forces acting on charges placed at the corners of a square, specifically focusing on the magnitude and direction of these forces. The charges are given as 6 mC, and the square has sides of 0.1 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the forces between the charges and express uncertainty about finding the direction of the resultant force. There are questions about the units of charge and the nature of the forces (repulsive). Some participants seek clarification on the setup and the coordinate system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made attempts to calculate the forces and describe their reasoning, while others are seeking clarification on the problem setup and the interpretation of the charges. There is a mix of attempts and questions, indicating an ongoing exploration of the problem without a clear consensus on the approach to finding the direction of the resultant force.

Contextual Notes

There are questions regarding the units of the charge (milliCoulomb vs. microCoulomb) and the need for a coordinate system to analyze the forces effectively. Participants are also considering the implications of the forces being repulsive.

moondawg
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Homework Statement


A charge of 6 mC is placed at each corner of a square .1 m on each side. Determine the magnitude and driection of the force.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


so i found the force between corner 1 and 2 then 1 and 3 to = 32.4N and the force between corner 1 and 4( the corner diagonal to the top left corner) to be 16.2. Then i set up my vectors and found an imaginary hypotenuse and added it to the 16.2 to get 62.02 as my final answer. I'm pretty sure i did it correctly but i only found the magnitude how do i find the direction? I have not a clue. HELP!? pleasezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 
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moondawg said:

Homework Statement


A charge of 6 mC is placed at each corner of a square .1 m on each side. Determine the magnitude and direction of the force.

I have not a clue. HELP!? pleasezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Find the force exerted upon what object?

Are there any coordinate axes?
 


moondawg said:

Homework Statement


A charge of 6 mC is placed at each corner of a square .1 m on each side. Determine the magnitude and driection of the force.

Is that mC a milliCoulomb or a microCoulomb?

The Attempt at a Solution


so i found the force between corner 1 and 2 then 1 and 3 to = 32.4N and the force between corner 1 and 4( the corner diagonal to the top left corner) to be 16.2. Then i set up my vectors and found an imaginary hypotenuse and added it to the 16.2 to get 62.02 as my final answer. I'm pretty sure i did it correctly but i only found the magnitude how do i find the direction? I have not a clue. HELP!? pleasezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

What are the units of your answer?

Take a look at each of the individual forces that you calculated. They have magnitude and direction. That suggests vectors. How do you add vectors to fins a resultant?
 


Because all of the forces were repelling i put 1 vector up, one vector perpendicular starting its right end at the tip of the first vector and my last vector connected to my 2nd vector and going in a diagonal northwest direction. then i found the hypotenuse between the 1st and 2nd vector and added that hypotenuse to the length of my 3rd vector and my units are in meters... i know i basically restated what i just said i just wanted to better explain my process bc I am not sure if it is correct..
 

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