Magnitude and direction of the Electrostatic Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force acting on a charge located at the origin due to two identical charges placed at 50 cm and 100 cm on the x-axis. Using Coulomb's Law, the forces were calculated as F12 = 0.036 N and F13 = 0.144 N, resulting in a total force magnitude of 0.18 N. The net force direction is confirmed to be to the left, as all charges repel each other, causing the charge at the origin to move leftward.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law (F = k Q1Q2/r^2)
  • Understanding of electrostatic forces and charge interactions
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition
  • Familiarity with units of charge (microcoulombs)
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  • Learn about vector addition in physics for multiple forces
  • Explore the implications of charge configurations on force direction
  • Investigate the effects of distance on electrostatic force strength
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wrenegade
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Homework Statement



3 identical charges of 2.0 uC are placed on the x-axis. The first charge is at the origin, the second to the right at x = 50cm, and the third is at the 100 cm mark. What are the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force which acts on the charge at the origin?

Homework Equations



F = k Q1Q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



F12 = (9.0e9 * 2.0e-6 * 2.0e-6) / 1m^2 = .036N

F13 = (9.0e9 * 2.oe-6 * 2.0e-6) / 0.5m^2 = .144 N

Magnitude = .036 + .144 = .18 N

Direction = I have no clue. If they are all identical wouldn't they all repel each? Wouldn't that make the overall direction to the left since each charge repels the charge at the origin.

Thanks for the help!
 
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wrenegade said:

Homework Statement



3 identical charges of 2.0 uC are placed on the x-axis. The first charge is at the origin, the second to the right at x = 50cm, and the third is at the 100 cm mark. What are the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force which acts on the charge at the origin?

Homework Equations



F = k Q1Q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



F12 = (9.0e9 * 2.0e-6 * 2.0e-6) / 1m^2 = .036N

F13 = (9.0e9 * 2.oe-6 * 2.0e-6) / 0.5m^2 = .144 N

Magnitude = .036 + .144 = .18 N

Direction = I have no clue. If they are all identical wouldn't they all repel each? What would that say about the direction?

Thanks for the help!

Hi wrenegade, welcome to Physics Forums.

If they all repel each other, in what direction is the charge at the origin going to want to move? What then is the direction of the net force on it?
 
gneill said:
Hi wrenegade, welcome to Physics Forums.

If they all repel each other, in what direction is the charge at the origin going to want to move? What then is the direction of the net force on it?

The charge on the origin would want to move left, correct? Making left the overall direction of the net force.
 
wrenegade said:
The charge on the origin would want to move left, correct? Making left the overall direction of the net force.

Sounds good :smile:
 
gneill said:
Sounds good :smile:

Thank you very much!
 

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