Electrostatics - Magnitude and direction of electric force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric force on a +2.0x10^-6 charge using Coulomb's law, represented by the equation F = kq1q2/r^2. The user attempted to compute the force using the values of two other charges (-6.0x10^-6 and -7.0x10^-6) and a distance of 4.0 units, resulting in a force of 0.23625 N. However, the user failed to consider the individual forces exerted by each charge on the central charge, leading to confusion regarding the provided answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law (F = kq1q2/r^2)
  • Understanding of electric charge (positive and negative)
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition
  • Familiarity with the concept of net force
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the individual forces exerted by each charge on the +2.0x10^-6 charge.
  • Learn about vector addition in the context of electric forces.
  • Study the concept of net force and its calculation in electrostatics.
  • Explore the implications of charge polarity on electric force direction.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of electric force calculations.

Inertialforce
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Homework Statement


What are the magnitude and direction of the electric force on the +2.0x10^-6 charge shown in the diagram (included in the attachment)?


Homework Equations


F = kq1q2/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I used the Ep = kq1q2/r^2 equation and plugged in the numbers but didn't get any of the provided answers and I was just wondering what I was doing wrong?

What I did was:
F= kq1q2/r^2
F= (9.00x10^9)l(-6.0x10^-6)(-7.0x10^-6)l/(4.0)^2 [note: l l here means absolute value]
F= 0.23625

the answer I got was that, but it matches up with none of the provided answers?
 

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Inertialforce said:
What I did was:
F= kq1q2/r^2
F= (9.00x10^9)l(-6.0x10^-6)(-7.0x10^-6)l/(4.0)^2 [note: l l here means absolute value]
F= 0.23625
:confused: Not sure what you did here, since you were asked to find the force on the +2.0x10^-6 charge (the middle charge).

What force does the left charge exert on the middle charge?
What force does the right charge exert on the middle charge?

What's the net force on the middle charge?
 

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