Coulombs Law with vectors question help, test tomorrow.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the net electrostatic force on charge C (+4uC) due to charges A (-2uC) and B (+3uC) using Coulomb's Law. The participants utilized the formula Fe = k * q1 * q2 / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²). The correct calculations yield a net force of 16.8 N at an angle of 12.6 degrees west of south. A critical error identified was the miscalculation of the hypotenuse, which should not have been squared again in the force equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law (Fe = k * q1 * q2 / r^2)
  • Understanding of vector components and trigonometry
  • Knowledge of electrostatic forces and charge interactions
  • Ability to perform calculations involving square roots and angles
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  • Review vector resolution in physics to better understand force components
  • Practice problems involving Coulomb's Law with multiple charges
  • Learn about the implications of electrostatic forces in real-world applications
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Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric forces and vector analysis.

skg94
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1. Homework Statement [/b]

1. Charge A (-2uC) is 0.10m left of charge B (+3uC), with charge C (+4uC), 0.075m below charge B, forming a right angle triangle with the right angle at B. Find the net electrostatic charge on C

if its confusing the 0.10 is the opposite of the hypotenuse with the 0.075m being the adjacent.

i don't how to draw a damn triangle i can't do it with just normal symbols but if oyu don't understand the triangle i will try to explain it further

Homework Equations


Fe=kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Fe(b on c) = (8.99*10^9)(3*10^-6)(4*10^-6)/ .075^2 = 19.17866666..

Fe (a on c) = first i found the hypotenuse, (.1^2+.075^2) = .015625m

then found Fe, K * ( 4*10^-6) (2*10^-6)/.015625^2 = 294.58432

I found the angle at C, by using pythagoras, tan-1(0.10/.075) = 53.13010235, then found the angle to use to find the x and y component of Fe (a on c) by subtracintg 53.. from 90, which is 36.86089765..

Fe (aonc x) = 294... * cos36... = 235.667456
Fe (aonc y) = 294... * sin 36... = 176.750592

then \sqrt{235..^2 + 176...^2} which equals back to 294.58432.

I may have done the whole Fe ( a on c) wrong, if i did i don't know where.

The answer is 16.8N 12.6 degrees W of S
 
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skg94 said:
1. Homework Statement [/b]

1. Charge A (-2uC) is 0.10m left of charge B (+3uC), with charge C (+4uC), 0.075m below charge B, forming a right angle triangle with the right angle at B. Find the net electrostatic charge on C

if its confusing the 0.10 is the opposite of the hypotenuse with the 0.075m being the adjacent.

i don't how to draw a damn triangle i can't do it with just normal symbols but if oyu don't understand the triangle i will try to explain it further

Homework Equations


Fe=kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Fe(b on c) = (8.99*10^9)(3*10^-6)(4*10^-6)/ .075^2 = 19.17866666..

Fe (a on c) = first i found the hypotenuse, (.1^2+.075^2) = .015625m^2

then found Fe, K * ( 4*10^-6) (2*10^-6)/.015625^2 = 294.58432

I found the angle at C, by using pythagoras, tan-1(0.10/.075) = 53.13010235, then found the angle to use to find the x and y component of Fe (a on c) by subtracintg 53.. from 90, which is 36.86089765..

Fe (aonc x) = 294... * cos36... = 235.667456
Fe (aonc y) = 294... * sin 36... = 176.750592

then \sqrt{235..^2 + 176...^2} which equals back to 294.58432.

I may have done the whole Fe ( a on c) wrong, if i did i don't know where.

The answer is 16.8N 12.6 degrees W of S

You made a mistake when calculating the hypotenuse: .015625 is the square of of the hypotenuse, you do not need to square again in the equation for the force. .

ehild
 

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