Coulomb's Law in 3D: Find Electric Force & Field

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric force caused by q2 on q1 in 3D, the user needs to apply Coulomb's Law, which requires calculating the distance vector between the two charges. The electric force can be expressed in vector notation by determining the components along the x, y, and z axes. The user is struggling with the z-coordinate and how to break down the force into its components. Additionally, to find the electric field at the origin, the force calculated must be divided by the charge q1. Understanding the vector nature of electric forces in three dimensions is crucial for solving this problem.
Sofia Matthews
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Homework Statement


q1= 5 x 10^-6C position (1;2,-1)
q2= -3 x 10^-6 C position (-2,1,3)

a) what is the electric force caused by q2 on q1? (vector notation)
b) what is the electric field at (0,0,0)

Homework Equations


F = kq1q2/r^2
E= F/q

The Attempt at a Solution


I really don't know how to start this problem. Since this problem is in 3D, I don't know how to find the z coordinate of the electric force.

What I initially did was to find the electric force with Coulomb's law, but it gives me a number and not components. I tried to play with Pythagoras's theorem, but didn't figure anything out. [/B]
 
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Sofia Matthews said:
I really don't know how to start this problem.
You need to provide an attempt. It is mandatory while posting in the homework help section.
 
Sofia Matthews said:
I don't know how to find the z coordinate of the electric force.
In terms of the positions P and Q of two charges, what is the line of action of the force between them?
 
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