Three Point Charges, find the electric force exerted

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric force exerted on a fourth charge (+3 nC) by three other charges (+2 nC, -2 nC) positioned at the corners of a square. The user initially computes the forces from each charge but encounters errors in their calculations, particularly with the distance and resultant force vector. After receiving feedback, they correct the distance calculation for the diagonal force and verify the values used for the charges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate values and calculations in determining the net electric force. Overall, the thread highlights common challenges in solving electrostatic problems involving multiple charges.
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Homework Statement


Three charges, each of magnitude 2 nC, are at separate corners of a square of edge length 1 cm. The two charges at opposite corners are positive, and the other charge is negative. Find the force exerted by these charges on a fourth charge q = +3 nC at the remaining (upper right) corner. (Assume the +x axis is directed to the right and the +y axis is directed upward.)


Homework Equations


k = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)


The Attempt at a Solution



Drew a diagram of the problem such that F4 = F1,4 + F2,4 + F 3,4.

F1,4 = (k*q1*q4)/(r(1,4)^2)j

F1,4 = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00*10^-9)*((2.00*10^-9)/(0.01m)^2)

= 3.595 * 10^-4 j

F2,4 = same

F3,4 = (k*q1*q2)/(r(2,4)^2)*r(3,4)

r(3,4) = r(3,1) + r(1,4) = (0.01m)i + (0.01m)j

r(3,4) = (0.01m)i+(0.01m)j/(sqrt(0.01m^2+0.01m^2)) = 0.14i + 0.14j

F3,4 = (8.988*10^9) (-2.00*10^-9)(2.00*10^-9)/(0.01sqrt(2)^2)*(0.14i+0.14j)

= -2.52 * 10 ^ -5

(3.595 * 10^-4) i - (-2.52*10^-5) i = 3.34*10^-4i <--- Wrong :(
(3.595 * 10^-4) j - (-2.52*10^-5) j = 3.34*10^-4j <--- Wrong :(


Any suggestions?? I think that somewhere in computing F3,4 I put in an incorrect number. Thanks!
 
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m00nbeam360 said:
r(3,4) = (0.01m)i+(0.01m)j/(sqrt(0.01m^2+0.01m^2)) = 0.14i + 0.14j

Check this.
 
Whoa, got .707 now, thanks. So then is everything else correct?
 
m00nbeam360 said:
F1,4 = (k*q1*q4)/(r(1,4)^2)j

F1,4 = (8.988*10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00*10^-9)*((2.00*10^-9)/(0.01m)^2)

= 3.595 * 10^-4 j

Did you use the correct value for q4 here?
 
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