Three equal positive charges are at the corners of an equilateral triangle of si
ID: 1394904 • Letter: T
Question
Three equal positive charges are at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side a as shown in the figure below. Assume the three charges together create an electric field.
(a) Sketch the field lines in the plane of the charges.
(Please take a picture of this drawing and upload it if possible so I can clearly see how to do this).
(b) Find the location of one point (other than ?) where the electric field is zero.
1) at P
2) at the center of the triangle
3) at each vertex
4) at the center of the base
(c) What is the magnitude of the electric field at P due to the two charges at the base? (Use any variable or symbol stated above along with the following as necessary: ke.)
E =
(d) What is the direction of the electric field at P due to the two charges at the base?
1) to the left
2) to the right
3) upward
4) downward
Plese help me solve this problem and also understand why b and d are the answer that they are by explaination. (Please show all work when solving)
Explanation / Answer
(b) Using symmetry , electric field at the centre is zero
Answer is 2) at the center of the triangle
(c) E = ke q^2 cos(30) / a^2 + ke q^2 cos(30) / a^2 = 2 ke q^2 cos(30) / a^2 = sqrt(3) ke q^2 / a^2
(d) Direction is uoward since the equal force in the x direction are opposite in direction
Answer is 4) downward