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

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the net force on sphere A, first determine the forces exerted by spheres B and C. Sphere B, with a negative charge, will attract sphere A, resulting in a force directed along the positive x-axis. Conversely, sphere C, with a positive charge, will repel sphere A, creating a force directed along the negative x-axis. The net force on sphere A can be found by subtracting the force from sphere C (which is negative) from the force from sphere B (which is positive). This approach ensures that the effects of both charges are accurately accounted for in the final calculation.
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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