Magnitude and direction of the Electrostatic Force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three identical charges of 2.0 µC placed along the x-axis, with the first charge at the origin and the others at 50 cm and 100 cm. The objective is to determine the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force acting on the charge at the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for the forces between the charges and question the direction of the net force, considering the repulsive nature of identical charges.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring the implications of charge repulsion and discussing the direction of the net force. Guidance has been offered to consider the movement of the charge at the origin in relation to the forces acting on it.

Contextual Notes

There is some uncertainty regarding the direction of the net force, as participants are questioning their assumptions about the behavior of the charges.

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!
 
Last edited:
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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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