FIGURE 21-17
-As shown in Fig. 21-17, a point charge of +Q is placed at the centroid of an equilateral triangle. When a second charge of +Q is placed at one of the triangle's vertices, an electrostatic force of 4.0 N acts on it. What is the magnitude of the force that acts on the center charge due to a third charge of +Q placed at one of the other vertices?

Question

FIGURE 21-17 
-As shown in Fig. 21-17, a point charge of +Q is placed at the centroid of an equilateral triangle. When a second charge of +Q is placed at one of the triangle's vertices, an electrostatic force of 4.0 N acts on it. What is the magnitude of the force that acts on the center charge due to a third charge of +Q placed at one of the other vertices?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's law. Since the charges are identical and the distances are the same, the force on the center charge due to the third charge will be the same as the force on the vertex charge, which is 4.0 N.

FIGURE 21-17 -As Shown in Fig. 21-17, a Point Charge of +Q