Three Point Charges, Find x-component

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the x-component of the force acting on a point charge due to two other point charges arranged in an equilateral triangle. The charges are defined as +Q = 2.50×10-5 C, -Q, and +q = 5.00×10-8 C, with a side length of a = 1.40×10-2 m. The correct calculation for the x-component of the force using Coulomb's law yields a value of 57.33 N, while the y-component is determined to be 0 N. The discussion highlights common errors in applying Coulomb's law and emphasizes the importance of accurate calculations and diagramming forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law for electric forces
  • Basic trigonometry for resolving forces
  • Understanding of electric charge interactions
  • Knowledge of equilateral triangle geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Coulomb's Law in detail, focusing on force calculations
  • Learn how to resolve forces into components using trigonometric functions
  • Explore electric field lines and their significance in charge interactions
  • Practice problems involving multiple point charges and their resultant forces
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand the interactions of point charges in electric fields.

rlc
Messages
128
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


In the figure, three point charges are arranged in a equilateral triangle of side a= 1.40×10-2 m. Sketch the field lines due to + Q and -Q, where Q = 2.50×10-5 C , and from them determine the direction of the force that acts on +q = 5.00×10-8 C because of the presence of the other two charges. What is the x-component of the force? What is the y-component of the force?
upload_2015-1-16_13-18-25.png


Homework Equations


F1=K*((Q*q)/a^2)
F(x)=2|F1|*Cos(60)

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the y-component is 0 N.
Someone posted this problem in yahoo answers, and I tried to follow it. Something went wrong along the way, but here is the work from that solution:

*+Q=1, -Q=2, +q=3*

F1,3=(8.99E9)(5.00E-8)(2.50E-5)/(1.40E-2)=0.803 N
F2,3=(8.99E9)(5.00E-8)(-2.50E-5)/(1.40E-2)=-0.803 N

F1,3x=0.803(cos(30 degrees))=0.6951 (right)
F1,3y=0.803(cos(60))=0.4013 (down)

F2,3x=-0.803(cos(30))=-0.6951 (left)
F2,3Y=-0.803(cos(60))=-0.4013 (down

Here, I have the problem where if you combine x and y values, the answer is 0 for both of them.
Where did I go wrong, or is all of this wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
rlc said:
F2,3=(8.99E9)(5.00E-8)(-2.50E-5)/(1.40E-2)=-0.803 N
Get rid of that negative sign. Use Coulomb's law to find the magnitude of the force, then use the signs to find the direction. Draw yourself a diagram of the forces on q.
 
Sorry for not replying in a while!
In the work I did, I completely forgot to square a, making all my numbers wrong.

((9E9)(q)(+Q))/(a^2)
((9E9)(5.00E-8)(2.50E-5))/(1.40E-2)^2=57.33 N (this is the x-component)

Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
14K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K