a. Three point charges are placed on the -axis. A charge of +2.0 µC is placed at

Question

a. Three point charges are placed on the -axis. A charge of +2.0 µC is placed at the origin, -2.0 µC to the right at x = 50 cm, and +4.0 µC at the 100 cm mark. What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force that acts on the charge at the origin? ( k = 1/4 pi* epislon_0 = 8.99* 10^9 N · m2/C2)

b. What is the direction of the electrostatic force that acts on the charge at the origin?

a. toward the left
b. toward the right

I practiced all the problems in the text book still I am not able to do this problem.
All help is greatly appreicated.
Thank you very mcuh.

Explanation / Answer

we know that like charges repel and unlike charges attract

electrostatic force between two charges (Q1) and (Q2) seperated by a distance d is given by k(Q1)(Q2)/d^2

so

force on charge at the origin due to -2C charge = k(2)(2)*10^(-12)/.5^2 =.144 N towards right

force on the charge at the origin due to 4C charge =k(2)(4)*10^(-12)/1 =.071 N towards left

so net force=.144-.071=.071 which is towards right

a)net force=.071 N

b)towards right

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