Two fixed point charges lie on the x-axis in otherwise empty space: charge q₁ = +3.0…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Two fixed point charges lie on the x-axis in otherwise empty space: charge q₁ = +3.0 μC is located at x = −0.30 m, and charge q₂ = −5.0 μC is located at x = +0.40 m. A third point charge q₃ = +2.0 μC is placed at the origin.
(a) Determine the electric force vector exerted on q₃ by q₁. Express your answer in unit-vector notation and include appropriate units.
(b) Determine the electric force vector exerted on q₃ by q₂. Express your answer in unit-vector notation and include appropriate units.
(c) Calculate the vector sum of the forces obtained in parts (a) and (b), and report the magnitude and the direction (angle measured counter-clockwise from the +x-axis) of the net electric force acting on q₃.