How do the charges in 3 cancel each other out in net electrostatic force?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the net electrostatic force acting on a central charge due to surrounding charges, specifically focusing on how different charge types interact with one another. The subject area is electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the interactions between positive and negative charges and question how these forces combine to affect the net force on the central charge. There are inquiries about the directions of the forces and whether they cancel each other out.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the forces at play. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conceptualization of forces, but there remains a lack of consensus on the specific mechanics of how the net force is determined.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the nature of the charges and their effects on the central charge, with some expressing confusion about the net force calculation. There is an emphasis on understanding the interactions rather than providing direct solutions.

Salman Ali
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Here is the question no1 in image. A charge is in between . We will let it possitive or negative. The answer is 3,1,2 4...But how? Won't the charges in 3 cancel each other out because they are possitive at right and negative at left. One is attracting so the other is repelling.
 

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Salman Ali said:
One is attracting so the other is repelling.
And what direction is the force that each exerts on the center charge? (Do they add or subtract?)
 
Doc Al said:
And what direction is the force that each exerts on the centre charge? (Do they add or subtract?)
if we let the centre charge to be positive then obviously the negative ones will attract it while the positive ones will repel it. Now the question is about the net electrostatic force. See these explanations.
 

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Salman Ali said:
if we let the centre charge to be positive then obviously the negative ones will attract it while the positive ones will repel it.
Well, then what is your question?
 
Doc Al said:
Well, then what is your question?
I am still not getting it. Can you explain how in 3 the center has the highest net force?
 
Figure out the direction of the force that each charge exerts on the center charge.

Imagine this: One friend on your right pulls you toward him while a friend on your left pushes you away. Do those pushes/pulls cancel?
 
Doc Al said:
Figure out the direction of the force that each charge exerts on the center charge.

Imagine this: One friend on your right pulls you toward him while a friend on your left pushes you away. Do those pushes/pulls cancel?
Got it bro! Thanks!
 

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