Question

A triangle with equal sides of length 14 cm has -2.5-nC charged objects at each corner. Determine the direction of the electrical force exerted on the object at the top corner due to the two objects at the horizontal base of the triangle.

(A) vertically down
(B) Vertically upward
(C) horizontally rightward
(D) horizontally leftward

Answer 1

The direction of the electrical force exerted on the object at the top corner due to the two objects at the horizontal base of the triangle is vertically upward.

Step-by-step explanation:

The direction of the electrical force exerted on the object at the top corner due to the two objects at the horizontal base of the triangle can be determined using Coulomb's Law. Since the objects at the base of the triangle have a negative charge and the object at the top corner has a negative charge as well, the force between them will be repulsive. As a result, the direction of the electrical force on the top object will be vertically upward.

Answer 2

(B) Vertically upward

Step-by-step explanation:

r = Side of triangle = 14 cm

q = Charge = -2.5 nC

Electrical force is given by

`F=(kq_1q_2)/(r^2)\\\Rightarrow F=(8.99* 10^9* (2.5* 10^(-9))^2)/(0.14^2)\\\Rightarrow F=2.86671* 10^(-6)\ N`

For the top charge

Net force on both charges is given by

`F_n=2Fcos\theta\\\Rightarrow F_n=2* 2.86671* 10^(-6)* cos30\\\Rightarrow F_n=4.96529* 10^(-6)\ N`

The net force acting on the top charge is
`4.96529* 10^(-6)\ N`

Here the forces are symmetrical hence, the net force is along +y axis i.e., upward