Resultant Force on Q1 from Three Point Charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resultant force on a point charge (q1) due to two other point charges, with a specific focus on the vector nature of forces and their directions. The problem is situated within the context of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the resultant force on q1 by considering the contributions from two other charges, questioning the correctness of their initial approach. Some participants discuss the necessity of treating forces as vectors due to their directional nature and explore the idea of resolving forces into a resultant vector.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's reasoning. There is acknowledgment of the need to treat forces as vectors, and some guidance has been offered regarding the resolution of forces into a resultant vector.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the angles between the forces and the implications of vector addition in their calculations. There is an edit from the original poster indicating a correction in their understanding of the forces involved.

stumped23
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Three point charges with a distance a between them (as shown). What is the resultant force on q1?

Is this correct or am I doing this completely wrong?

edit: that should be Q1 multiplied by Q3 not adding

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3668/untitledxr7.jpg
 
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You're partially right. The F's on your answer should be vectors, since the forces applied on the charge by different charges are on different directions (radial ones)
 
Thanks. I knew adding the two forces like that couldn't be right

so if i find the value of F1 and F2 (angle of 60 degrees between them), and resolve them into one resultant vector force.. that will be the correct answer?
 
Yes.
[tex]{\vec{F}}_{TOTAL} = \vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2[/tex]
 

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