Relating Point Charges for a Net Zero Force

In summary: If you get stuck on a particular step, then you can come back and ask a more specific question.In summary, to find the net electrostatic force on point charge +Q placed at x = +a/2, we need to consider the forces due to charges q1 and q2 using Coulomb's Law. The superposition principle states that the net force is the vector sum of individual forces. Therefore, we need to calculate the force on Q due to q1 and q2 separately and then add them together.
  • #1
cuddlylover
16
0
Point charges q1 and q2 lie on the x-axis at points x = -a and x = +a, respectively. (a) How
must q1 and q2 be related for the net electrostatic force on point charge +Q, placed at x = +a=2,
to be zero? (b) Repeat (a) but with point charge +Q now placed at x = +3a=2.

Can someone help me with this i am a bit lost.
 
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  • #2
What is the electrostatic force on Q due to charge q1? and due to q2??

Then apply the superposition principle.
 
  • #3
Infinitum said:
What is the electrostatic force on Q due to charge q1? and due to q2??

Then apply the superposition principle.
If someone could go into more detail on this would be a big help
 
  • #4
Electrostatic force(Coulomb's Law) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb's_law

Superposition principle states that electrostatic force between any two charges is independent of other charges. The force on any charged particle due is given by the vector addition of the force due to each charge.

[itex]{F_{net}} = {F_1} + {F_2} + {F_3} + ... + {F_n}[/itex]
 
  • #5
cuddlylover said:
If someone could go into more detail on this would be a big help
That's not how it works here. Infinitum's given you two nudges. Now you need to step up and show some initiative on solving this problem yourself first.
 

1. How do point charges relate to a net zero force?

Point charges are electric charges that are concentrated at a single point. When two or more point charges are placed near each other, they exert forces on each other based on their magnitudes and distances. The net force on a system of point charges is the vector sum of all individual forces acting on each charge. For the net force to be zero, the sum of all forces must cancel out, meaning that the charges are in equilibrium.

2. What is the formula for calculating the force between two point charges?

The force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's Law, which states that the force (F) is equal to the product of the charges (q1 and q2) divided by the square of the distance (r) between them, multiplied by a constant (k) known as the Coulomb's constant.

F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2

3. How does the distance between point charges affect the net force?

The net force between two point charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the charges increases, the force between them decreases. Therefore, if the charges are placed at specific distances, they can be arranged in a way that the net force on the system is zero.

4. Can point charges with the same magnitude and opposite signs result in a net zero force?

Yes, if two point charges with the same magnitude but opposite signs are placed at equal distances from a third charge, the net force on the system will be zero. This is because the forces between the charges will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, resulting in a cancelation of forces.

5. How can point charges be arranged to achieve a net zero force?

To achieve a net zero force, point charges can be arranged in various ways, such as placing them at equal distances from each other, arranging them in a symmetrical pattern, or using a combination of positive and negative charges with specific distances between them. It is important to consider the directions and magnitudes of the forces between the charges when arranging them for a net zero force.

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