Find the force acting on the charge at the origin

In summary, the problem involves three fixed charges in the x-y plane and the task is to find the force acting on the charge at the origin. Using the equation F=kQQ/r^2, the x and y components of the force can be calculated as Fx=1.24*10^-25N and Fy=2.29*10^-26N, with k = 9*10^9 and r = 0.55 m. It is noted that the incorrect value of 1.15 m was used in the attempt at a solution. The sign of the y component may be negative.
  • #1
pat666
709
0

Homework Statement


Three charges are fixed in the x-y plane as follows: 1.6nC at the origin (0, 0); 2.6nC at (0.55 , 0); –2.1 nC at (0, 1.15 ).

Find the force acting on the charge at the origin.
Express your answers using two significant figures. Enter the x and y components of the force separated by a comma.

Homework Equations


F=kQQ/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


Fx=(2.6E-9*1.6E-9*9E-9)/1.15^2=1.24*10^-25N
Fy=(2.1E-9*1.6E-9*9E-9)/0.55^2=2.29*10^-26N
This is wrong but i can't see why??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For Fx r is 0.55 m not 1.15 m. And k = 9*10^9
 
  • #3
thanks rl.bhat I have the right answers now. I just don't know which one would be negative, I am thinking Fy? thanks
 

Related to Find the force acting on the charge at the origin

1. What is the force acting on the charge at the origin?

The force acting on a charge at the origin is the vector sum of all the forces acting on that charge due to other charges in its vicinity. This force is given by Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How do you calculate the force acting on a charge at the origin?

To calculate the force acting on a charge at the origin, you need to know the magnitude and direction of the other charges in its vicinity. You can then use Coulomb's law to calculate the force vector, which will give you both the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the charge at the origin.

3. What factors affect the force acting on a charge at the origin?

The force acting on a charge at the origin is affected by the magnitude of the charge itself, as well as the magnitude and distance of other charges in its vicinity. The force is also affected by the medium between the charges, as different mediums have different dielectric constants which can alter the force of attraction or repulsion between charges.

4. Is the force acting on a charge at the origin always attractive?

No, the force acting on a charge at the origin can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved. If the charges have opposite signs, the force will be attractive, whereas if the charges have the same sign, the force will be repulsive.

5. Can the force acting on a charge at the origin be zero?

Yes, the force acting on a charge at the origin can be zero if there are no other charges in its vicinity or if the charges in its vicinity are positioned in such a way that their forces cancel each other out. This is often seen in neutral atoms, where the forces between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons result in a net force of zero on the atom as a whole.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
12K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top