Magnitude of the electric force?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnitude of the electric force on a charge located at one corner of an equilateral triangle formed by three charges. The charges are all equal and positioned at the triangle's corners, with specific distances given between them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using Coulomb's law to calculate the forces between the charges and consider how to add the resulting vectors. Questions arise regarding the determination of the number of vectors involved and the process of vector addition.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants attempting to clarify the vector addition process while others express confusion about the concepts involved. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance on using Coulomb's law and vector addition has been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants indicate a lack of clarity regarding the vector components and the method for summing them, highlighting varying levels of understanding in physics concepts.

danish1991
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Need help calculating a problem, the questions states that. "Three charges are located at the corners of an equilaterial triangle. What is the magnitude of the electrical force on q1? I am really confused with this problem, i been trying to solve this problem and still had no luck ANY HELP WILL BE REALLY APPRECIATED!
q1=+2.0uc
q2=+2.0uc
q3=+2.0uc
distance between each 20cm
Its shaped as an triangle q1 being on top and q2 and q3 being on the corners.
q1=+2.0uc
/\
/ \
/ \
20cm / \20cm
/ \
/ \
q2=+2.0uc /_______ \q3=+2.0uc
20cm
 
Last edited:
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Well start with the equation:
F=\frac{kq_{1}q_{2}}{r^{2}}
for each of the particles. Add up the vectors in the x and y directions.
 
How would you determine the number of vectors? Sorry but I am really bad at physics
 
iRaid said:
Add up the vectors in the x and y directions.

sorry, iRaid, but that's really not clear :redface:
danish1991 said:
How would you determine the number of vectors? Sorry but I am really bad at physics

there's only two vectors, one from each of the other two charges

you need to find the magnitude and direction of those vectors, and then add them as vectors

do you know how to add vectors?​
 

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