In: Physics
Two point charges are placed on the x axis as follows: Charge q1 = 4.00nC is located at x = 0.200m , and charge q2 = 5.00nC is at x=?0.300m. What are the magnitude and direction of the net force exerted by these two charges on a negative point charge q3 = -0.600nC placed at the origin?
A. magnitude
B. direction
The electrostatic force of attraction between the charge q1 and
q3is
F13
=(9.0*109N.m2/C2)(4.0*10-9C)(0.60*10-9C)/
(0.20m)2
=
540nN
And the electrostatic force of attraction between the charge q2
andq3 is
F23
=(9.0*109N.m2/C2)(5.0*10-9C)(0.60*10-9C)/
(0.30m)2
=
300 nN
Now the net force acting on the charge q3 is
F
= F13 - F23
=
540nN - 300nN
=
240nN along positive x axis.