How Do I Calculate the Net Force on Sphere A in This Coulomb's Law Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net force on sphere A in a problem involving Coulomb's Law. Sphere A has a positive charge and is positioned at the origin, while spheres B and C, with negative and positive charges respectively, are located along the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about calculating the net force on sphere A, particularly in relation to the forces exerted by spheres B and C. Some participants suggest writing out the forces acting on A and considering the nature of the charges involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the forces acting on sphere A, with some guidance provided on how to approach the calculation. There is an acknowledgment of the repulsive and attractive forces based on the charges of the spheres, but no consensus has been reached on the final calculation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is new to the forum and is seeking clarification on the problem setup and the forces involved. There is a focus on understanding the interactions between the charges rather than directly solving the problem.

mimictt
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I don't really know how to solve this problem. I only know how to calculate the net force on B, not A...

here is the problem:
sphere A is located at the origin and has a charge of +2.0x10^-6 C.
Sphere B is located at +.6m on the x-axis and has a charge of -3.6x10^-6 C. Sphere C is located at +.8 m on the x-axis and has a charge of +4.0x10^-6 C. Determine the net force on sphere A.


I know how to find the net force on sphere B, since it's in the middle... but i have no idea when it comes to sphere A... would the net force on sphere A be the same as the net force on sphere C?

Thank you!

PS:im new to this forum! :D
 
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Write forces on A, the one acting along +X axis ... take them positive and the opposite, take them negative ...

Keep in mind that like charges repel and unlike charges attract!
 
cupid.callin said:
Write forces on A, the one acting along +X axis ... take them positive and the opposite, take them negative ...

Keep in mind that like charges repel and unlike charges attract!

meaning that i should calculate the FC on A and FB on A
and then subtract these two forces to get a net force on A?
 
yes
because C will push A along -X and B will attract A along +X
 
cupid.callin said:
yes
because C will push A along -X and B will attract A along +X

THank you so much! :smile:
 

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