Two particles, each with charge Q, and a third particle, with a charge q, are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle as shown. The total force on the particle with charge q is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the triangle is equilateral, the forces on the particle with charge q from the other two particles will cancel out horizontally. Therefore, the only net force acting on the particle with charge q is the vertical force due to the component of the forces pointing towards the bottom side of the triangle. Thus, the force on the particle with charge q is perpendicular to the bottom side of the triangle.

Two Particles, Each with Charge Q, and a Third Particle