What is the distance of the third charge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance from the second charge (-5.0 μC) to a third charge, which is initially assumed to be neutral. The problem states that the distance between the first charge (3.0 μC) and the second charge is 40 meters. It is concluded that if the third charge is neutral, the two charges will attract each other and cannot be in equilibrium, making the problem unsolvable under these conditions. The relevant equation for this scenario is Coulomb's Law, which describes the force between charged objects.

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Homework Statement



Three point charges, 3.0 \muc, -5.0\muc and 0 \muc.

If the distance from point 1 (3.0) and point 2 (-5.0) is 40m, what is the distance from point 2 to point 3?

Homework Equations



coulombs law


[b

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to start this :(
 
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The problem is not clear. Whether the third body is neutral?
Are they in equilibrium?
 
I'm not really sure since I only remembered this problem by memory :( but if the third body WAS neutral and they ARE in equilibrium, how would you answer this? :D
 
haengbon said:
I'm not really sure since I only remembered this problem by memory :( but if the third body WAS neutral and they ARE in equilibrium, how would you answer this? :D
If the third body WAS neutral and they cannot be in equilibrium
 
rl.bhat said:
If the third body WAS neutral and they cannot be in equilibrium

um, if that's so, is it then possible to be solved?

I need to use this formula :D ?

Fe = \frac{ Kq1q2 }{ r2 }
 
No. Just think about it. If the third body is neutral, the other two would attract each other, accelerate towards each other, and eventually collide.
 

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