Three charged particles are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side 1.20 m (see figure). The charges are Q1 = +3.8 µC, Q2 = -9.0 µC, and Q3 = -6.1 µC. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net force on each due to the other two. (Assume the +x axis points to the right, that is, from Q2 toward Q3.)

Question

bobpursley · Answer

Use coulombs law for each force. Then, break up each of the forces into x,y components. You will have then six components.

Now, look at each corner. Add the two x, and the two y, calculate the magnitude and direction from those two components.

Repeat for each corner.

Remember, think about direction. two like charges repel, two unlike attract.