Three point charges sit on the x-axis. The three charges have the values and pos

Question

Three point charges sit on the x-axis. The three charges have the values and positions: Q1 = -6.21x10-6 C, x1 = -0.820 m Q2 = -5.35x10-6 C, x2 = 0.550 m Q3 = 4.20x10-6 C, x3 = 0 m What are the magnitude and direction of the total electrostatic force on Q2? For the magnitude, give your answer in Newtons to 3 significant digits. (However, do NOT include the units in your answer.) The sign of your answer will give the direction: positive means the force is to the right and negative means the force is to the left.

Explanation / Answer

given three point charges on x axis
Q1 = -6.21*10^-6 C, x1 = -0.82 m
Q2 = -5.35*10^-6 C, x2 = 0.55 m
Q3 = 4.2*10^-6 C , x3 = 0 m

Total electrostatic force on Q2 = Force due to Q1 + Force due to Q3
assume that force towards right is +ve
then F2 = kQ1Q2/(x2 - x1)^2 + kQ2Q3/(x2 - x3)^2
F2 = 8.98*10^9*(-5.35*10^-6)[-6.21/(0.55+0.82)^2 + 4.2/0.55^2]*10^-6
F2 = - 0.508085 N

so magnitude of force F2 = - 0.508085 N
direction, along -ve x axis

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