Introductory Physics Electrostatics Practice Problems Spring Semester
1. In the picture at the right, calculate the net force (magnitude and
direction) on π1.
2. Two objects separated by a distance of 1.75 m have charges +π
and +3π. A third charge π is placed in-between the two positive
charges so they are all on a line. Where should π be placed so that
it is in equilibrium with the other two charges? Give your answer
as a distance measured from charge +π.
3. Three point charges are located on a circular arc (π = 3.80 cm) as
shown on the right. First find the electric force (magnitude and
direction) exerted on a β5.07 nC charge placed at position P. Then
remove that charge and find the total electric field (magnitude and
direction) at point P. (Adapted from Problem #26 in your book.)
4. Two charges (π1 = +8.0 ππΆ and π2 = β3.0 ππΆ) are separated by a distance of 1.0 m. Where along
the line connecting the two charges is the net electric field equal to zero? Give your answer as a
distance measured from π2.
5. Charge π1 = +50 ππΆ is positioned at π₯ = β26 cm, while charge π2 = β50 ππΆ is positioned at
π₯ = +26 cm. What is the net electric field (magnitude and direction) at the xy-coordinate
(0, +30) cm?
Answers:
1) 23 N, 24Β° above +x; 2) 0.641 m; 3) 1.01 Γ 10β4 N to the left, 1.99 Γ 104 N/C to the right;
4) 1.6 m; 5) 3.7 Γ 106 N/C to the right
Question #1
Question #3