Solving Coulombs Law & Trig via Diagram

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving Coulomb's Law and trigonometry related to point charges. The user is tasked with finding the charge value (q) for three equal point charges, each with a mass of 0.10 kg. The user successfully derived the force equation F=mgTanθ=0.98N but struggles with applying Coulomb's Law to combine the forces acting on the rightmost charge. The solution involves understanding the manipulation of the forces, leading to the equation \(\frac{5kq^2}{4L^2(sin^2)\Theta}\) through simple addition of fractions.

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  • Coulomb's Law
  • Basic trigonometry
  • Force analysis in physics
  • Understanding of vector components
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electrostatics and force analysis involving point charges.

prof chaos
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Sorry if I'm doing this wrong... first time poster.

Homework Statement



figure15_1.jpg


The diagram gives the relevant info. All three q's are equal point charges of m=0.10 kg. I'm trying to find the value of q.

Homework Equations



Coulombs law and basic trig.

The Attempt at a Solution



Considering either of the outer point charges, I have thus figured out that F_x=Tsinθ and mg=Tcosθ. Dividing those gives F=mgTanθ=0.98N

I can't figure out what to do at all for the second part where I use Coulombs law to combine the the forces of both charges on the most right one. My prof gave the following HW explanation, but I don't understand it:

[tex]\frac{Kq^2}{(Lsin\Theta)^2}[/tex] -- [tex]\frac{kq^2}{(2Lsin\Theta)^2}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{5kq^2}{4L^2(sin^2)\Theta}[/tex]

I can rearrange and solve from there... I understand where [tex]\frac{Kq^2}{(Lsin\Theta)^2}[/tex] -- [tex]\frac{kq^2}{(2Lsin\Theta)^2}[/tex] comes from but how in the world does that turn into [tex]\frac{5kq^2}{4L^2(sin^2)\Theta}[/tex]

Ugh it turned my thetas into 952;... I hope you still understand it.
 
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Hi prof chaos, welcome to PF.

It is simple addition.

1 + 1/4 = 5/4.
 

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