Three point charges are positioned on the x-axis 64 uc at x=ocm , 80uc at x=25cm, and -160 uc at x=50 cm. what is the magnitude of the electro static force acting on the 64-uc charge

The magnitude of the electrostatic force is F = 368.64 N

Explanation:

Given data,

The magnitude of charge, q₁ = 64 μ C

The magnitude of charge, q₂ = 80 μ C

The magnitude of charge, q₃ = -160 μ C

The charge q₁ is at the origin,

The position of charge q₁ in x-axis, x₁ = 0 cm

The position of charge q₂ in x-axis, x₂ = 25 cm

                                                               = 0.25 m

The position of charge q₃ in x-axis, x₃ = 50 cm

                                                               = 0.5 m

The magnitude of the electrostatic force experienced by the charge a is given by the formula,

The force acting on charge 'q₁' due to 'q₂' is,

                             F₁ = k  q₁ q₂ / x₂²

                                 = (9 x 10⁹ X 64 x 10⁻⁶ X 80 x 10⁻⁶) / 0.25²

                                =  + 737.28 N

The force acting on charge 'q₁' due to 'q₃' is,

                              F₂ = k q₁ q₃ / x₃²

                                   = [9 x 10⁹ X 64 x 10⁻⁶ X (-160 x 10⁻⁶)] / 0.5²

                                    = - 368.64 N

The net electrostatic force acting on the charge, q₁ is,

                              F = F₁ + F₂

                                  = + 737.28 N + (- 368.64 N)

                                   = 368.64 N

Hence, the magnitude of the electrostatic force is F = 368.64 N