Two charges of # 3 C # and # -1 C# are positioned on a line at points # 6 # and # 5 #, respectively. What is the net force on a charge of # 2 C# at # -2 #?

1 Answer
May 31, 2017

#"Net force on charge 2C :"4.7*10^8N" ,at negative x direction."#

Explanation:

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  • The position of the point electric charges in the symbolic figure above is exaggerated.
  • Coulomb's law states that electrical charges will force each other.
  • It is a force pushing or pulling force between two charges.
  • If the charges are the same, pushing is made, if it is reversed, pulling force occurs.
  • We can calculate the force that the electric charges apply to each other by using the formula given below.

#F=K*(q_1*q_2)/d^2#
#"where ;"#
#q_1:"first charge"#
#q_2:"second charge"#
#d:"distance between "q_1" and "q_2#
#k:9.10^9 N*m^2*C^(-2)#

  • Both the B and C spheres apply force to the A sphere.
  • The net force applied to A is equal to the vector sum of the forces.
  • Let's calculate the force that B applies to A.

#color(blue)(F_("BA")=K*(-1*2)/7^2=-(2K)/49)#

  • Let's calculate the force that C applies to A.

#color(green)(F_("CA")=K*(3*2)/8^2=(6K)/64)#

  • Now let's find the vector sum.

#Sigma F_("net")=color(blue)(F_("BA"))+color(green)(F_("CA"))#

#Sigma F_("net")=(-2K)/49+(6K)/64#

#Sigma F_("net")=(-128K+294K)/3136#

#Sigma F_("net")=(166K)/3136#

#Sigma F_("net")=(166*9*10^9)/3166#

#Sigma F_("net")=0.47*10^9#

#Sigma F_("net")=4.7*10^8N#

  • The net force is in negative x direction.