A charge of -3.00 µC is fixed at the center of a compass. Two additional charges are fixed on the circle of the compass (radius = 0.125 m). The charges on the circle are -4.60 µC at the position due north and +5.00 µC at the position due east. What is the magnitude and direction of the net electrostatic force acting on the charge at the center? Specify the direction relative to due east (0°).

Question

A charge of -3.00 µC is fixed at the center of a compass. Two additional charges are fixed on the circle of the compass (radius = 0.125 m). The charges on the circle are -4.60 µC at the position due north and +5.00 µC at the position due east. What is the magnitude and direction of the net electrostatic force acting on the charge at the center? Specify the direction relative to due east (0°).
Magnitude 
 _____N 
Direction 
______°

Magnitude:

(8.99e9)(4.6e-6)(3.0e-6)/ (0.125)^2

=7.94 N

(8.99e9)(5.0e-6)(3.0e-6)/ (0.125)^2

=8.63 N

Adding both values as vectors:

sqrt[(7.94N squared)+(8.63N squared)]

Magnitude= 11.73 N

Direction:

theta = inverse tan (7.94/8.63)
= 42.62 degrees South of East

drwls · Answer

LOOks good to me!