Question

Charge q₁ = 1.4-10" C is placed at the origin. Charges 4-1.8-10 C and 4, 2.1-10 C are placed at points (0.18 m,0 m) and (0 m,0.24 m), respec- tively, as shown in the figure. Determine the net electrostatic force (magnitude and direction) on charge q.
simple steps

Answer 1

To determine the net electrostatic force on charge q, we need to calculate the individual forces between q and the other charges, and then add them together.

1. Calculate the force between q and the charge at (0.18 m, 0 m):
Using Coulomb's Law, the formula for the electrostatic force between two charges is F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2,
where k is the electrostatic constant (k = 9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) and r is the distance between the charges.

F1 = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * ((1.4 x 10^-10 C) * (4 x 10^-10 C)) / (0.18 m)^2
= 8.4 N (towards the origin)

2. Calculate the force between q and the charge at (0 m, 0.24 m):
Again, using Coulomb's Law:

F2 = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * ((1.4 x 10^-10 C) * (2.1 x 10^-10 C)) / (0.24 m)^2
= 6.4 N (towards the origin)

3. Add the forces together to find the net force:
The net force is the vector sum of the individual forces. In this case, since both forces are pointing towards the origin, we can simply add their magnitudes:

Net force = F1 + F2
= 8.4 N + 6.4 N
= 14.8 N

Therefore, the net electrostatic force on charge q is 14.8 N, directed towards the origin.