Finding Charge on a Cube Corner

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AI Thread Summary
To find the charge at the origin of a cube with equal charges at all corners except one, the approach involves breaking down the charge contributions into their X, Y, and Z components. The user initially calculates the components but expresses uncertainty about the accuracy of their results, suggesting a total of +4 in all directions. Another participant questions whether the goal is to find the electric field at the origin instead of the charge. It is emphasized that when adding fields, vector direction and the inverse square of the distance must be considered. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in understanding the problem and the correct application of vector principles in electrostatics.
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Homework Statement


Given a cube with equal charges on all corners save one, find the charge on the origin.
http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/4968/cubekg7.jpg

Homework Equations


F = kQ1Q2

The Attempt at a Solution


My current idea is splitting up the magnitude of all charges on the origin into their X,Y, and Z components.

Because all magnitudes are formed with right triangles I can use pythagorean theorem to solve for the components and I get:

Q1: +1 in the X
Q2: +1 in the Z
Q3: +1 in the Y
Q4: +1 in the X, Z
Q5: +1 in the X, Y
Q6: +1 in the Y, Z
Q7: +1 in the X, Y, Z

So the sum of the magnitudes acting on the origin would be +4 in all directions, and I have a feeling this is wrong.
 
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Hi Cefari! :smile:

I don't understand either the question or your answer. :confused:

Do you mean find the field at the origin?

If you're adding fields, remember that they're vectors (with a direction), and the strength is 1/distance-squared.
 

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