Electromagnetism: Calculating Force on q0 in a Square

[magicuniverse]

Homework Statement

Three particles with euqal positive charge q are placed at three corners of a square side d.

a) what is the force on a postive charge q0 placed at the center of the square?

b) what would be the force on q0 if it were placed on a vacant corner?

Homework Equations

I think you have to use gausses law but am not sure and do not know how to do this if i did.

The Attempt at a Solution

N.A i don't have a clue, some guidance would be hugely appretiated.

 

[Kurdt]

Force is a vector quantity. If you work out the force on the q0 charge from the other three and the direction in which they are acting you should be able to find the resultant force.

 

[magicuniverse]

Yes but I do not understand HOW you would get the forces and even if i did wouldn't kno how to resolve them.

 

[Kurdt]

What have you been learning? The force is given by coulombs law.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elefor.html#c1

I'm not sure if i can explain how to resolve forces if you have no indication of how to deal with them. There is a tutorial at the following web site.

http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/students.php/all_subjects/mechanics/Newton/resources/607

 

[magicuniverse]

Thanks that was so helpful. Also sorry for putting up with me, I have done this stuff in class but have had a really bad sports injury recently which has meant I've been spending more time with surgeons looking at scans than in lectures so the basics are confusing.