Electric Force in a Square: Where is Best?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric forces experienced by a charge placed at different locations relative to two opposite charges (+q and -q) positioned at the corners of a square. The original poster is uncertain about whether the force on a third charge would be greater at one of the corners or at the center of the square.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the positions of the charges and the resulting forces, questioning the impact of distance on the force experienced by the third charge. There are attempts to clarify the lack of information regarding the magnitudes of the charges and the relevant formulas.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty and seeking confirmation of their reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider formulas and relative distances, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific information about the charges and formulas, which may be affecting their ability to analyze the problem effectively.

Johnwing
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Physics 12 help :)

Homework Statement



A charge +q and charge -q are placed at opposite corners of a square. will a third charge experience a greater force if it is placed at one of the empty corners of the square, or at the center of the square? explain

not very good if it doesn't involve calculations.. thanks !
 
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You have to fill out all three parts. What do you know and what don't you know? What are some attempts you've made so far? We can't (rather, won't) help unless we know where you're stuck.
 


well no information is given as far as charges go, simply one being positive, and the other negative.

I was thinking that a charge would experience a greater force if it was placed at the center of the square because the distance between the two opposite charges are closer together rather then on a corner. But I'm not positive, if someone could confirm this for me.
 


Johnwing said:
well no information is given as far as charges go, simply one being positive, and the other negative.

I was thinking that a charge would experience a greater force if it was placed at the center of the square because the distance between the two opposite charges are closer together rather then on a corner. But I'm not positive, if someone could confirm this for me.

That someone else who would confirm or deny the statement would have the same information that you do.

Why don't you see what the formulas show? What are the relative distances between the vertexes and center of a square?
 


No information was given to me for the question, there were no formulas given or any information in addition to what I posted... :\
 


Johnwing said:
No information was given to me for the question, there were no formulas given or any information in addition to what I posted... :\

I suggest that you review your text or course notes. They should have something that applies to the forces between electric charges :wink:
 


sadly i don't which resorted me to come here for help.. but thanks anyways though I guess i just won't bother with the assignment haha
 


Johnwing said:
sadly i don't which resorted me to come here for help.. but thanks anyways though I guess i just won't bother with the assignment haha

If you haven't been introduced to Coulomb's Law in your coursework, then the assignment must be daunting indeed. If your text doesn't mention it, you may need to find a better text :smile: The web has lots of information on it if you care to do a bit of spadework.
 

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