Calculating Net Electrostatic Force in a Square Configuration

In summary, the problem involves four charges, two positive and two negative, fixed to the corners of a square with a side length of 0.25 m. The net electrostatic force experienced by any charge is directed towards the center of the square. Using the equation f=kQq/d^2, the attractive force can be calculated by finding the x and y components of each charge on the center, which is equivalent to root(2)kq^2/d^2.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


There are four charges, each with a magnitude of 2.1 µC. Two are positive and two are negative. The charges are fixed to the corners of a 0.25 m square, one to a corner, in such a way that the net force on any charge is directed toward the center of the square. Find the magnitude of the net electrostatic force experienced by any charge.



Homework Equations



f=kQq/d^2

The Attempt at a Solution


can you start me off on this prob? i honestly don't know how to do it.
 
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  • #2
You could get the x and y component of each charge on the centre, that's a start
 
  • #3
ok. so i get the attractive force as root(2)kq^2/d^2
and after that I am stuck
 

What are square-electrostatic forces?

Square-electrostatic forces refer to the attractive or repulsive forces between two electrically charged particles, where one or both of the particles have a square-shaped charge distribution.

How do square-electrostatic forces differ from regular electrostatic forces?

Square-electrostatic forces differ from regular electrostatic forces in that they take into account the shape of the charged particles, rather than just their point charges. This allows for more accurate calculations and predictions of the forces between the particles.

What factors affect the strength of square-electrostatic forces?

The strength of square-electrostatic forces depends on the magnitude of the charges on the particles, the distance between the particles, and the orientation of the square-shaped charge distributions.

Can square-electrostatic forces be attractive and repulsive at the same time?

Yes, square-electrostatic forces can be both attractive and repulsive at the same time. This occurs when the orientation of the square-shaped charge distributions are opposite to each other, causing both attractive and repulsive forces to act between the particles.

How are square-electrostatic forces used in real-world applications?

Square-electrostatic forces are used in various applications, such as in the design of microelectronic devices, the creation of electrostatic precipitators for air pollution control, and the manipulation of particles in nanotechnology. They are also used in theoretical studies of molecular and atomic structures.

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