Question

Three point charges have equal magnitudes, two being positive and one negative. These charges are fixed to the corners of an equilateral triangle, as the drawing shows. The magnitude of each of the charges is 3.0 μC, and the lengths of the sides of the triangle are 1.0 cm. Calculate the magnitude of the net force that each charge experiences.

Answer 1

Magnitude of the net force on q₁-

Fn₁=1403 N

Magnitude of the net force on q₂+

Fn₂= 810 N

Magnitude of the net force on q₃+

Fn₃= 810 N

Step-by-step explanation:

Look at the attached graphic:

The charges of the same sign exert forces of repulsion and the charges of opposite sign exert forces of attraction.

Each of the charges experiences 2 forces and these forces are equal and we calculate them with Coulomb's law:

F= (k*q*q)/(d)²

F= (9*10⁹*3*10⁻⁶*3*10⁻⁶)(0.01)² =810N

Magnitude of the net force on q₁-

Fn₁x= 0

Fn₁y= 2*F*sin60 = 2*810*sin60° = 1403 N

Fn₁=1403 N

Magnitude of the net force on q₃+

Fn₃x= 810- 810 cos 60° = 405 N

Fn₃y= 810*sin 60° = 701.5 N

`Fn_(3) = \sqrt{405^(2)+701.5^(2)  }`

Fn₃ = 810 N

Magnitude of the net force on q₂+

Fn₂ = Fn₃ = 810 N