Electric force in an electric field.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric force in an electric field involving multiple charges. The original poster has successfully addressed earlier parts of the problem but is struggling with incorporating a third charge into their calculations for part c.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to calculate the forces acting on the third charge by considering the forces from the other two charges. There is also a focus on the relationship between electric field, force, and charge, as well as the implications of adding a third charge to the existing electric field.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to approach the problem, with some providing guidance on how to calculate the forces and electric field. The conversation indicates a productive exchange of ideas, though no consensus has been reached on the exact method to apply for part c.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding how the presence of the third charge affects the electric field and the calculations involved. The original poster is also navigating constraints related to their understanding of electric forces and fields.

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Generally I would type out the question myself rather than just screenshotting it but since I'm on my phone I elected to simply attach pictures of both the question and my work.

Part a and b I was able to do, but what I'm having a hard time with is part c. I know how to find the electric force between 2 charges, but I'm lost as to how I'm supposed to incorporate the third charge. I feel like I should be using some of the values I already calculated but I just don't know where to start on part c.
 

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You know how to calculate the force between two charges. You can just calculate the force that act on the last charge from the first one, and then the force it feels from the second one. Then you can just add up the two forces. Just make sure you know you're adding up vectors.
 
You have done the hard part, assuming part a and b are correct. Since you have the E field at point P. how is force, e, and Q related?
 
Fe= qE

The addition of a non arbitrary charge at point p doesn't change the electric field vector? Does that mean my diagram is wrong for part c?
 
@Haye: I was pretty sure that's what I was supposed to be doing, I just didn't know how to calculate E with that third charge there.
 
I am not sure how to explain it properly, but the third point charge can't really affect itself, can it. So you just calculate the electric field at that point as if it wasn't there.
 
That makes enough sense for me to complete the problem :) thank you both for the help.
 

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