Coulomb's Law Question grade 12

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 3K views
jbjohnybaker
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Three point charges, q₁= -5.00 μC, q₂= -4.00 μC, and q₃ which is negative are arranged as shown on three corner of side a=0.500 m. The direction of the forces on q₁ is at +20.0° with respect to the + x axis. Calculate the magnitude of q₃. The diagram looks something like this:
---------(-) q2
| (square) |
| (square) |
| (square) |
(+)------(-) q3
q1

Homework Equations



F = kq1q2
------
r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the above formula and I put q3 as a variable. I found the two forces, the first one which is what q1 exerts on q3 and the second which is what q2 exerts on q3:

F(1 on 3) = 1.69 X 10^5 x (q3)
F (2 on 3) = 1.44 x 10^5 x (q3)

But then I'm stuck...
 
Physics news on Phys.org