- #1
Electrostatic force and magnitude problem
- Thread starter loganblacke
- Start date
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a problem in electrostatics, specifically focusing on the net electrostatic force acting on a charge Q1 and the determination of another charge Qo. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the concepts involved in the problem.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation
Approaches and Questions Raised
- The original poster attempts to apply a formula for determining the magnitude of Qo based on the net force being zero. Some participants suggest breaking down the forces into vector components to analyze them properly. Questions arise regarding how to determine the direction of these vectors.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on vector addition and the importance of direction in electrostatic forces. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the setup of the problem and the forces involved.
Contextual Notes
The original poster indicates feeling lost in the context of Physics II, suggesting a potential lack of familiarity with the concepts being discussed. There is also a reference to a figure that is not visible in the text, which may contain crucial information for the problem.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
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hi loganblacke! 
(have a theta: θ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box
)
forces are vectors, so you have to add them as vectors
(have a theta: θ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box
)forces are vectors, so you have to add them as vectors
start by writing out the three forces as three vectors
- #3
loganblacke
- 48
- 0
How do i determine the direction of the vectors?
- #4
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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each vector will point along the line between the two charges
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