Coulomb's Law Question grade 12

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of a third negative point charge, q₃, in a system of three point charges arranged at the corners of a square with side length a = 0.500 m. The charges q₁ and q₂ are both negative, with values of -5.00 μC and -4.00 μC, respectively. The forces acting on q₁ due to q₂ and q₃ are expressed using Coulomb's Law, F = kq₁q₂/r². The user has derived the forces exerted on q₃ but is seeking assistance to proceed with the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics.
  • Familiarity with vector components and force direction in two-dimensional systems.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for variables.
  • Knowledge of units in electrostatics, particularly microcoulombs (μC) and meters (m).
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of vector addition to resolve forces acting on q₃.
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric functions to calculate force components at angles.
  • Study the concept of equilibrium in electrostatic systems to find the conditions for q₃.
  • Explore advanced topics in electrostatics, such as superposition of forces and potential energy.
USEFUL FOR

Students in grade 12 physics, particularly those studying electrostatics and force interactions among charged particles. This discussion is beneficial for anyone needing to solve problems involving multiple point charges and their interactions.

jbjohnybaker
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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...
 
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