Question

g A particle (charge = +40 mC) is located on the x axis at the point x = -20 cm, and a second particle (charge = -50 mC) is placed on the x axis at x = +30 cm. What is the magnitude of the total electrostatic force on a third particle (charge = -4.0 mC) placed at the origin (x = 0)? Group of answer choices

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

We shall find electric field at origin due to two given charges sitting on the either side of origin .

Total field will add up due to their same direction .

Field due to a charge Q

= 9 x 10⁹ x Q / R² ; R is distance of point , Q is charge

Field due to first charge

= 9 x 10⁹ x 40 x 10⁻³ / 2² x 10⁻⁴

= 90 x 10¹⁰ N/C

Field due to second charge

= 9 x 10⁹ x 50 x 10⁻³ / 2² x 10⁻⁴

= 112.5 x 10¹⁰ N/C

Total field

= 202.5 x 10¹⁰ N/C

Force on given charge at origin

= charge x field

= 4 x 10⁻³ x 202.5 x 10¹⁰

= 810 x 10⁷ N .