Point Charge Problem: Find Force Magnitude & Direction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three identical point charges placed along the x-axis, with the goal of determining the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force acting on the charge at the origin. The context is rooted in electrostatics and Coulomb's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Coulomb's Law and share their calculations regarding the force magnitude. There is a request for clarification on the workings behind the calculations, indicating a collaborative effort to identify potential errors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the assumptions about the interactions between the charges. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to show workings for better analysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the charges are identical and question the implications of this on their interactions, specifically regarding attraction and repulsion.

PetetheGreek
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Homework Statement



Three identical point charges of 2.0x10-6C are placed on the x-axis. The firs charge is at the origin, the second to the right at x= 50cm, and the third is at 100 cm mark. What are the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force which acts on the charge at the origin?
physics.jpg


Homework Equations



Coulombs Law
physics-1.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm coming up with 0.36N to the right but I'm not sure if it's right.
 
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PetetheGreek said:

Homework Statement



Three identical point charges of 2.0x10-6C are placed on the x-axis. The firs charge is at the origin, the second to the right at x= 50cm, and the third is at 100 cm mark. What are the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force which acts on the charge at the origin?
physics.jpg


Homework Equations



Coulombs Law
physics-1.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm coming up with 0.36N to the right but I'm not sure if it's right.
I have something different. If you showed your working, perhaps we could point out where you've gone wrong.
 
hootenanny said:
i have something different. If you showed your working, perhaps we could point out where you've gone wrong.

(9e9)(2.0e-6)(2.0e-6)/(.1)2 = 0.36 and since its positive it goes to the right
 
well if they have the same charge they shouldn't be attracted to one another...
 

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