Finding q1,q2,q3; Electric charge problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving for the unknown charge q2, given that q1 + q2 = -1.0 micro-coulombs, with q1 and q3 being positive and q2 negative. The user attempted to express q1 in terms of q2 and apply Coulomb's law but faced challenges due to the lack of distance, electric field, or force information. Despite trying to incorporate the fundamental charge, the user still encountered two unknowns, making it difficult to progress. The conversation highlights the need for additional information to solve the problem effectively. Overall, the problem remains unresolved due to insufficient data.
Michael126
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Homework Statement



Referring to the figure, suppose q_2 is not known. Instead, it is given that q_1+q_2=-1.0. The figure is q1 q2 q3 all lined up in a row with q2 being negative and q1 and q3 being positive as the electric field lines from both q1 and q3 point towards the negatively charged q2. Find q1, q2, and q3.

Homework Equations


F=eE, F=qE, F= kQ/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I put q1+q2=-1.0 micro-coulombs into q1=-1.0 micro-coulombs-q2, and attempted to put that equation into the coulombs law equation but there are still two unkowns present, i can't seem to figure out where to go from there since no distance, E, or force is given.
 
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I also tried using the fundamental charge of 1.6*10^-19, but that proved to be ineffective as well, i did convert it to micro-coulombs
 
Michael126 said:

Homework Statement



Referring to the figure, suppose q_2 is not known. Instead, it is given that q_1+q_2=-1.0. The figure is q1 q2 q3 all lined up in a row with q2 being negative and q1 and q3 being positive as the electric field lines from both q1 and q3 point towards the negatively charged q2. Find q1, q2, and q3.


Homework Equations


F=eE, F=qE, F= kQ/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I put q1+q2=-1.0 micro-coulombs into q1=-1.0 micro-coulombs-q2, and attempted to put that equation into the coulombs law equation but there are still two unkowns present, i can't seem to figure out where to go from there since no distance, E, or force is given.



Did you ever get help in solving this?
 
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