Static Electricity: Audio Guided Solution

Electricity: Static Electricity

Three negative charges are arranged as shown in the diagram at the right. The charges of the three objects are:

Q₁ = -6.2 nC
Q₂ = -3.8 nC
Q₃ = -5.5 nC
(1 nC = 1 nanoCoulomb = 1x10^-9 C)

Determine the magnitude of the net electric force exerted on Q₃.

1.12x10^-6 N

Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
Identify the known and unknown quantities; record them in an organized manner. A diagram is a great place to record such information. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., Q₁ = 2.4 μC; Q₂ = 3.8 μC; d = 1.8 m; F_elect = ???.
Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Get more information on the topic of Static Electricity at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

Return to Overview

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33