Question

Three point charges are arranged in a straight line. The point charges are q1 = 10.0 μC, q2 = –40.0 μC, and q3 = –30.0 μC. Charge q1 is 10.0 cm from charge q2, and charge q3 is 20.0 cm from charge q2. Determine the magnitude of the net electric force on charge q1.

A. −330 N
B. −240 N
C. −390 N
D. −300 N

Answer 1

To determine the magnitude of the net electric force on charge q1, we need to calculate the individual forces between each pair of charges and then sum them up. After performing the calculations, we find that the magnitude of the net electric force on charge q1 is -300 N (option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the magnitude of the net electric force on charge q1, we need to calculate the individual forces between each pair of charges and then sum them up.

The force between q1 and q2 can be found using Coulomb's Law:

F12 = k(q1q2)/r122

Substituting the given values, we have:

F12 = (9 x 109 Nm2/C2)(10.0 x 10-6 C)(-40.0 x 10-6 C)/(0.10 m)2

The force between q2 and q3 can be calculated in the same way:

F23 = k(q2q3)/r232

Substituting the given values, we have:

F23 = (9 x 109 Nm2/C2)(-40.0 x 10-6 C)(-30.0 x 10-6 C)/(0.20 m)2

Finally, we can calculate the net force by summing up the individual forces:

Fnet = F12 + F23

After performing the calculations, we find that the magnitude of the net electric force on charge q1 is -300 N (option D).