Point charges magnitude and direction

In summary, the problem involves finding the net electric force on a 0.40 µC charge located at the center of an equilateral triangle. Using the formula F= Ke |q1||q2|/r^2 and trigonometric functions, the magnitude and direction of the net force is calculated to be 0.062 N at 275 degrees. However, the incorrect calculation of one of the charges led to an incorrect answer.
  • #1
J89
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Homework Statement


Three point charges are located at the corners of an equilateral triangle as in the figure below. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force on the 0.40 µC charge. (A = 0.20 µC, B = 6.60 µC, and C = -3.80 µC.). Diagram below...



Homework Equations



F= Ke |q1||q2|/r^2, cos and sin symbols



The Attempt at a Solution



a) .20*10^-6*(6.60*10^-6)*8.99*10^9/(.500)^2 = .0474672
b) .20*10^-6*(3.80*10^-6)*8.99*10^9/(.500)^2 =.0273296

.0474672*cos(240) = .015463926386
.0474672*sin(240) = .044877634258

= .015463926386 + .0273296 = .042793526386

.042793526386^2 + .044877634258^2 = .003845287957 = sqrt(.003845287957 ) = 0.062 N. Direction is 275 degrees. However, according the real solution, the answer is not 0.062! Can someone find what I did wrong here?
 

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  • #2
Where is the 0.40 µC charge located in the picture?

Edit: At any rate, I found the problem. You had your calculator in radians mode. In degrees mode, 0.0474672sin(240) = -0.0411.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
it is supposed to be .20, sorry, but thanks :)
 

1. What is a point charge?

A point charge is an idealized concept in physics, where a particle is treated as having a single, fixed electrical charge concentrated at a single point in space. This allows for easier calculations and understanding of the behavior of charged particles.

2. How is the magnitude of a point charge determined?

The magnitude of a point charge is determined by its electrical charge, which is typically measured in Coulombs (C). The greater the electrical charge, the larger the magnitude of the point charge.

3. What is the direction of a point charge?

The direction of a point charge is determined by the sign of its electrical charge. A positive charge will have a direction away from itself, while a negative charge will have a direction towards itself. This is based on the concept of electric field lines, which show the direction of the force a charged particle would experience in the presence of the point charge.

4. How does the magnitude of a point charge affect its behavior?

The magnitude of a point charge directly affects its behavior, as it determines the strength of the electric field it produces. A larger magnitude will result in a stronger electric field, leading to a greater force exerted on other charged particles in the vicinity.

5. Can the direction of a point charge change?

The direction of a point charge can change depending on the movement of the charged particle. However, the magnitude of the point charge will remain constant unless an external force or interaction alters it.

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