Question

To practice Problem-Solving Strategy 21.1 Coulomb's Law. Three charged particles are placed at each of three corners of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 2.3 cm . Two of the particles have a negative charge: q1 = -6.7 nC and q2 = -13.4 nC . The remaining particle has a positive charge, q3 = 8.0 nC . What is the net electric force acting on particle 3 due to particle 1 and particle 2?

Answer 1

241.27 N

Step-by-step explanation:

Both the negative charge will pull the positive charge towards it . Let the forces be F₁ and F₂

F₁ =
`(9*10^9*8*6.7*10^(-18))/((2.3*10^(-2))^2)`

F₁ = 91.19 X 10⁻⁵ N

F₂=
`(9*10^9*8*13.4*10^(-18))/((2.3*10^(-2))^2)`

F₂ = 182.38 X 10⁻⁵ N

F₁ and F₂ act at 60 degree so their resultant will be calculated as follows

R² = (91.19)² +(182.38)² + 2 X 91.19 X 182.38 Cos 60

R² = 58209.30

R = 241.27 N