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NAME ______________________________________ DATE _______________ CLASS ____________________

Electric Forces and Fields

Problem B
THE SUPERPOSITION PRINCIPLE

PROBLEM

Consider three point charges on the x-axis: q1 = 4.92  10–9 C is at the

origin, q2 = –6.99  10–8 C is at x = –3.60  10–1 m, and q3 = 5.65  10–9 C
is at x = 1.44 m. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force
on q1.
SOLUTION
Given: q1 = 4.92 × 10–9 C r1,2 = –3.60 × 10–1 m
q2 = –6.99 × 10–8 C r1,3 = 1.44 m
q3 = 5.65 × 10–9 C kC = 8.99 × 109 N•m2/C2
Unknown: F1,tot = ?
Calculate the magnitude of the forces with Coulomb’s law:
kCq1q2 (8.99 × 109 N•m2/C2)(4.92 × 10–9 C)(–6.99 × 10–8 C)
F1,2 =   2 =  –1 2 = –2.39 × 10–5 N
r1,2 (–3.60 × 10 m)
9 2 2 –9 –9
kCq1q3 (8.99 × 10 N•m /C )(4.92 × 10 C)(5.65 × 10 C)
F1,3 =   =  2 = 1.21 × 10–5 N
r1,32 (1.44 m)
The forces are all along the x-axis, so add up the x-components:
F1,tot = F1,2 + F1,3 = −2.39 × 10–5 N + 1.21 × 10–5 N = −1.18 × 10–5 N

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE

1. Suppose four protons were at the corners of a square. The length of

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

each side of the square is 1.52 × 10–9 m. If q1 is on the upper right cor-
ner, calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on q1.
2. Consider three point charges, q1 = 4.50 C, q2 = 4.50 C, and q3 = 6.30 C,
located at the corners of an isosceles triangle. The charges q1 and q2 are
5.00 m apart and form the base. The triangle is 3.50 m high, and q3 is
located at the top. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resul-
tant force on q3.
3. Imagine three point charges on the corners of a triangle: q1 = –9.00 nC
is at the origin, q2 = –8.00 nC is at x = 2.00 m, and q3 = 7.00 nC is at y =
3.00 m. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on q1.
4. Suppose three point charges are on the y-axis: q1 = –2.34 × 10–8 C is at
the origin, q2 = 4.65 × 10–9 C is at y = 0.500 m, and q3 = –2.99 × 10–10 C
is at y = 1.00 m. What is the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force on q1?
5. Consider four electrons at the corners of a square. Each side of the
square is 3.02 × 10–5 m. Find the magnitude and direction of the resul-
tant force on q3 if it is at the origin.
Problem B Ch. 16–3
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NAME ______________________________________ DATE _______________ CLASS ____________________

6. Imagine three point charges at the corners of an isosceles triangle: q1 =

2.22 × 10–10 C, q2 = 3.33 × 10–9 C, and q3 = 4.44 × 10–8 C. The charges
q1 and q2 are 1.00 m apart and form the triangle’s base. The triangle is
0.250 m tall. If q3 is at the top, what is the magnitude and direction of
the resultant force on q3?
7. Consider three 2.0 nC point charges at the following locations: at (0 m,
0 m), at (1.0 m, 2.0 m), and at (1.0 m, 0 m). Find the magnitude and
direction of the resultant force on the charge at the origin.
8. Consider three point charges on the corners of a triangle, where q1 =
–4.0 mC at the origin; q2 = –8.0 mC at (2.0 m, 0 m); and q3 = 2.0 mC
at (0 m, 2.0 m). Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force on q1.
9. Suppose three point charges are on the corners of a triangle: q1 =
9.00 mC is at the origin, q2 = 6.00 mC is at the point (1.00 m, 1.00 m),
and q3 = 3.00 mC is at (–1.00 m, 1.00 m). Find the magnitude and di-
rection of the resultant force on q1.
10. Consider three equal point charges of 4.00 nC on a line. All charges are
4.00 m apart. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force on the charge in the middle.

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

Ch. 16–4 Holt Physics Problem Bank

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Givens Solutions
7. r = 8.3 × 10−10 m kC q1q2 kCq2
Felectric =   = 
Felectric = 3.34 × 10−10 N r2 r2
(3.34 × 10−10 N)(8.3 × 10−10 N)2
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 q=  
Felectricr 2
 =
kC

8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2
q = 1.60 × 10−19 C

8. r = 6.4 × 10−8 m kC q1q2 kCq2

Felectric =   = 
Felectric = 5.62 × 10−14
N r2 r2
−14 −8
 
Felectricr 2
(5.62 × 10 N)(6.4 × 10 m) 2
kC = 8.99 × 10 N • m /C2
9 2
q=  = 
kC 8.99 × 10 N m C 9 •
2 2

−19
q = 1.60 × 10 C

9. r = 9.30 × 10−11 m kC q1q2 kCq2

Felectric =   = 
Felectric = 2.66 × 10−8
N r2 r2

(2.66 × 10−8 N)(9.30 × 10−11 m)2

kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 q=  
Felectricr 2
 =
kC

8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2
q = 1.60 × 10−19 C

10. r = 6.5 × 10−11 m kC q1q2 kCq2

Felectric =   = 
Felectric = 9.92 × 10 −4
N r2 r2
−4 −11
 
Felectricr 2
(9.92 × 10 N)(6.5 × 10 m) 2
kC = 8.99 × 10 N • m /C2
9 2
q=  = 
kC 8.99 × 10 N m /C 9 •
2 2

−17
q = 2.2 × 10 C

Additional Practice B

1. qp = 1.60 × 10−19 C qp = q1 = q2 = q3 = q4


Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

r4,1 = r2,1 = 1.52 × 10−9 m r3,2 = (12×10−9m
.5 
)2
+(1.
52 0−9m
×1 )2 = 2.15 × 10−9 m

kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 kCqp2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(1.60 × 10−19 C)2
F2,1 =   2 =  = 9.96 × 10−11 N
r2,1 (1.52 × 10−9 m)2

kCqp2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(1.60 × 10−19 C)2

F3,1 =   2 =  = 4.98 × 10−11 N
r3,1 (2.15 × 10−9 m)2

kCq2p (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(1.60 × 10−19 C)2

F4,1 =   =  = 9.96 × 10−11 N
r4,12 (1.52 × 10−9 m)2

1.52 × 10−9 m

j = tan−1 
1.52 × 10−9 m
= 45°

F2,1: Fx = 0 N
Fy = 9.96 × 10−11 N
F3,1: Fx = F3,1 cos 45° = (4.98 × 10−11 N)(cos 45°) = 3.52 × 10−11 N
Fy = F3,1 sin 45° = (4.98 × 10−11 N)(sin 45°) = 3.52 × 10−11 N
V F4,1: Fx = 9.96 × 10−11 N
Fy = 0 N

V Ch. 16–2 Holt Physics Solution Manual

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Givens Solutions

Fx,tot = 0 N + 3.52 × 10−11 N + 9.96 × 10−11 N = 1.35 × 10−10 N

Fy,tot = 9.96 × 10−10 N + 3.52 × 10−11 N + 0 N = 1.35 × 10−10 N

 
x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F 
y,tot ×
)2 = (1.35 10−10 
N)2 + ( 10−10 N
1.35 ×  )2

Ftot = 1.9 × 10−10 N

1.35 × 10−10 N

j = tan−1 
1.35 × 10−10 N 
= 45.0°

2. h = 3.50 m Set the origin at the midpoint.


q1 = q2 = 4.50 C .5
r1,3 = r2,3 = (20m

)2
+(3.
50
m
)2 = 4.30 m
q3 = 6.30 C kC q1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(4.50 C)(6.30 C)
F1,3 =   =  = 1.38 × 1010 N
r1,2 = 5.00 m r1,32 (4.30 m)2
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 kC q2q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(4.50 C)(6.30 C)
F2,3 =   =  = 1.38 × 1010 N
r2,32 (4.30 m)2

 
3.50 m
q = tan−1  = 54.5°
2.50 m
F1,3: Fx = F1,3 cos q = (1.38 × 1010 N) cos (54.5°) = 8.01 × 109 N
Fy = F1,3 sin q = (1.38 × 1010 N) sin (54.5°) = 1.12 × 1010 N

F2,3: Fx = F2,3 cos q = (1.38 × 1010 N) cos (54.5°) = 8.01 × 109 N

The electrical force on q2 points in the −x direction, so Fx must be negative.

Fx = −8.01 × 109 N

Fy = F2,3 sin q = (1.38 × 1010 N) sin (54.5°) = 1.12 × 1010 N

Fx,tot = 8.01 × 109 N − 8.01 × 109 N = 0 N

Fy,tot = 1.12 × 1010 N + 1.12 × 1010 N = 2.24 × 1010 N

There is no x-component of the resultant force, so

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Ftot = Fy,tot = 2.24 × 1010 N pointing upward along the y-axis

3. q1 = −9.00 × 10−9 C kC q1q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−9.00 × 10−9 C)(−8.00 × 10−9 C)

F1,2 =   =  = 1.62 × 10−7 N
q2 = −8.00 × 10−9 C r1,22 (2.00 m)2

q3 = 7.00 × 10−9 C kC q1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−9.00 × 10−9 C)(−7.00 × 10−9 C)

F1,3 =   =  = −6.29 × 10−8 N
r1,32 (3.00 m)2
r1,2 = 2.00 m
r1,3 = 3.00 m F1,2: Fx = 4.05 × 10−8 N
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 Fy = 0 N

F1,3: Fx = 0 N

Fy = −6.29 × 10−8 N

2×10−7N
.6
Ftot = (1 )2+(−6.×10−8N
29 )2 = 1.74 × 10−7 N
Ftot is negative because the larger, y-component of the force is negative.

−6.29 × 10−8 N V

j = tan−1 
1.62 × 10−7 N 
= −21.22°

Section Five—Problem Bank V Ch. 16–3

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Givens Solutions
4. q1 = −2.34 × 10−8 C kC q1q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−2.34 × 10−8 C)(4.65 × 10−9 C)
F1,2 =   = 
q2 = 4.65 × 10−9 C r1,22 (0.500 m)2

q3 = 2.99 × 10−10 C F1,2 = Fy = −3.91 × 10−6 N

r1,2 = 0.500 m −8 −10
kC q1q3 (8.99 × 10 N • m /C )(−2.34 × 10 C)(2.99 × 10 C)
9 2 2
F1,3 =  2 =
 2
r1,3 = 1.00 m r1,3 (1.00 m)

kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 F1,3 = Fy = − 6.29 × 10−8 N

Fy,tot = −3.91 × 10−6 N + −6.29 × 10−8 N = 3.97 × 10−6 N

 no x-components
There are of the electrical force, so the magnitude of the electrical

force is (F 
y,tot
)2
.

Ftot = 3.97 × 10−6 N directed along the −y-axis

5. qe = −1.60 × 10−19 C qe = q1 = q2 = q3 = q4

r2,3 = r4,3 = 3.02 × 10−5 m kCq2e (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−1.60 × 10−19 C)2
 F3,2 = Fx =  2 =  = 2.52 × 10−19 N
3.
r1,3 = 2( ×10−5m
02 
)2 r3,2 (3.02 × 10−5 m)2
= 4.27 × 10−5 m kCqe2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−1.60 × 10−19 C)2
F3,4 = Fy =   =  = 2.52 × 10−19 N
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 r3,42 (3.02 × 10−5 m)2

kCqe2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−1.60 × 10−19 C)2

F3,1 =   2 =  = 1.26 × 10−19 N
r3,1 (4.27 × 10−5 m)2
3.02 × 10−5 m

j = tan−1 
3.02 × 10−5 m 
= 45°

F3,1: Fx = F3,1 cos 45° = (1.26 × 10−19 N) cos 45° = 8.91 × 10−20 N
Fy = F3,1 sin 45° = (1.26 × 10−19 N) sin 45° = 8.91 × 10−20 N

Fx,tot = 8.91 × 10−20 N + 2.52 × 10−19 N + 0 N = 3.41 × 10−19 N

Fy,tot = 8.91 × 10−20 N + 0 N + 2.52 × 10−19 N = 3.41 × 10−19 N

 
x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F
y,t
ot .4
)2 = (3 0−19
1×1  N
)2(3.×10−19
41  N
)2

Ftot = 4.82 × 10−19 N

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

3.41 × 10−19 N
   
Fy tot
j = tan−1 , = tan−1  = 45°
Fx,tot 3.41 × 10−19 N

6. q1 = 2.22 × 10−10 C kCq1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(2.22 × 10−10 C)(4.44 × 10−8 C)

F3,1 =   =  = 2.84 × 10−7 N
q2 = 3.33 × 10−9 C r3,12 (0.559 m)2

q3 = 4.44 × 10−8 C kCq3q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(4.44 × 10−8 C)(3.33 × 10−9 C)

F3,2 =   =  = 4.25 × 10−6 N
r1,2 = 1.00 m r3,22 (0.559 m)2

 
h = 0.250 m 0.250 m
j = tan−1  = 26.6°
0.500 m
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2
F3,1: Fx = F3,1 cos q = (2.84 × 10−7 N) cos (−26.6°) = 2.54 × 10−7 N
r3,1 = r3,2
 Fy = F3,1 sin q = (2.84 × 10−7 N) sin (−26.6°) = 1.27 × 10−7 N
.5
= (000
 m)2
+(0.
25
0m
)2
F3,2: Fx = F3,2 cos q = (4.25 × 10−6 N) cos (−26.6°) = 3.80 × 10−6 N
= 0.559 m
V Fy = F3,2 sin q = (4.25 × 10−6 N) sin (−26.6°) = 1.90 × 10−6 N

V Ch. 16–4 Holt Physics Solution Manual

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Givens Solutions
Fx,tot = 2.54 × 10−7 N + 3.80 × 10−6 N = 4.05 × 10−6 N

Fy,tot = 1.27 × 10−7 N + 1.90 × 10−6 N = 2.03 × 10−6 N

 
x,to
Ftot = (F t 
2
+(F

y,t
ot
)2 = (45×10−6N
.0 
)2
+(2.
03 0−6N
×1 )
Ftot = 4.53 × 10−6 N

2.03 × 10−6 N
   
Fy tot
j = tan−1 , = tan−1  = 26.6°
Fx,tot 4.05 × 10−6 N

7. q1 = q2 = q3 = 2.0 × 10−9 C kC q1q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(2.0 × 10−9 C)2

F1,2 =  2 =  = 3.6 × 10−8 N
r1,2 = 1.0 m r1,2 (1.0 m)2

r1,3 = (1.0
m
)2
+(2.
0m

)2 kC q1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(2.0 × 10−9 C)2
F1,3 =   =  = 7.2 × 10−9 N
= 2.24 m r1,32
(−2.24 m)2
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 F1,2 = Fx = 3.6 × 10−8 N
Fy = 0 N

 
2.0 m
j = tan−1  = 63°
1.0 m
F1,3: Fx = F1,3 cos q = (7.17 × 10−9 N) cos (63.4°) = 3.2 × 10-−9 N
Fy = F1,3 sin q = (7.17 × 10−9 N) sin (63.4°) = 6.4 × 10−9 N
Fx,tot = 3.6 × 10−8 N + 3.2 × 10−9 N = 3.9 × 10−8 N
Fy,tot = 0 N + 6.4 × 10−9 N = 6.4 × 10−9 N
  −8
x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F )2 = (3.9
y,tot  
× 10 N)
2

+ (6.4 × 10−9
 N)2
Ftot = 4.0 × 10−8 N

6.4 × 10−9 N
   
F tot
j = tan−1 y, = tan−1  = 9.3°
Fx,tot 3.9 × 10−8 N

8. q1 = −4.0 × 10−3 C kC q1q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−4.0 × 10−3 C)(−8.0 × 10−3 C)

F1,2 =  2 = 
q2 = −8.0 × 10−3 C (2.0 m)2
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

r1,2
q −3
3 = 2.0 × 10 C F1,2 = Fx,tot = 7.2 × 104 N
k
C = 8.99 × 10 N • m /C
9 2 2
kCq1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−4.0 × 10−3 C)(2.0 × 10−3 C)
F1,3 =  2 = 
r1,2 = 2.0 m r1,3 (2.0 m)2
r1,3 = 2.0 m F1,2 = Fy,tot = −1.8 × 104 N
 
x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F )2 = (7
y,tot .2
×104
N)2
+(−
1.
8×104
N)2

Ftot = 7.4 × 104 N

   
F tot –1.8 × 104 N
j = tan−1 y, = tan−1  = –14°
Fx,tot 7.2 × 104 N

Section Five—Problem Bank V Ch. 16–5

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Givens Solutions
  
9. q1 = 9.00 × 10−3 C r1,2 = r1,3 =  2+y1,
x1,2 2
1,32+y1,
2 = x
2
.0
3 = (10m
)2+(1.
00
m)2 = 1.41 m
 
q2 = 6.00 × 10−3 C r2,3 = r1,2
2+r1,2
.4
3 = (11m

)2
+(1.
41
m
)2 = 1.99 m
q3 = 3.00 × 10−3 C kC q1q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(9.00 × 10−3 C)(6.00 × 10−3 C)
F1,2 =   2 =  = 2.44 × 105 N
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 r1,2 (1.41 m)2

x1,2 = 1.00 m kCq1q3 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(9.00 × 10−3 C)(3.00 × 10−3 C)

F1,3 =   2 =  = 1.22 × 105 N
r1,3 (1.41 m)2
y1,2 = 1.00 m

 
1.00 m
x1,3 = 1.00 m j = tan−1  = 45°
1.00 m
y1,3 = 1.00 m
F1,2: Fx = F1,2 cos q = (2.44 × 105 N) cos 45° = 1.73 × 105 N
Fy = F1,2 sin q = (2.44 × 105 N) sin 45° = 1.73 × 105 N

F1,3: Fx = F1,3 cos q = (1.22 × 105 N) cos 45° = 8.63 × 104 N

Fy = F1,3 sin q = (1.22 × 105 N) sin 45° = 8.63 × 104 N
Fx,tot = 1.73 × 105 N + 8.63 × 104 N = 2.59 × 105 N

Fy,tot = 1.73 × 105 N + 8.63 × 104 N = 2.59 × 105 N

 
x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F )2 = (2
y,tot .5
9×105
N)2
+(2.
59
×105
N)2

Ftot = 3.66 × 105 N

 
2.59 × 105 N
j = tan−1  = 45°
2.59 × 105 N

10. q1 = q2 = q3 = 4.00 × 10−9 C All forces are along the x-axis, so there are no y-components.

kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 k q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(4.00 × 10−9 C)2

F2,1 = F2,3 = C2 =  = 8.99 × 10−9 N
r2,1 (4.00 m)2
r2,1 = r2,3 = 4.00 m
Fx,tot = 2(8.99 × 10−9 N) = 1.80 × 10−8 N

Fy,tot = 0 N

x,to
Ftot = (F t)+
2
(F )2 = 1.80 × 10−8 N along the x-axis
y,tot

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

Additional Practice C

1. q1 = 9.0 mC The charge, q3, cannot be in electrostatic equilibrium between q1 and q2, because the
forces point in the same direction. Because q2 is larger than q1, q3 will be close to q1,
q2 = −19 mC and opposite q2.
q3 = 9.0 mC
kC q3q1 kC q3q2
F3,1 = −F3,2 =   = − 
kC = 8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2 (y − 3.0 m)2 y2
r2,1 = 3.0 m q1y 2 = −q2 (y − 3.0 m)2 = −q2y 2 + 6q2y − (9.0 m2)q2
(q1 + q2)y2 − 6q2y + (9.0 m2)q2 = 0


6q2 ± (6q2)2
−4(q
1+q .0
2)(9m2)(q
2)
y = 
2(q1 + q2)

.0
6(−19 mC) ± (6m 19
)2(−mC)2
−4(9
.0
mC
−19mC
)(
9.
0m
2)(−
19
mC
)
y = 
2(9.0 mC − 19 mC)
y = 9.6 m = r2,3
V kC q3q2 (8.99 × 109 N • m2/C2)(−1.9 × 10−5 C)(9.0 × 10−6 C)
F3,2 =   = 
r3,22 (9.6 m)2

F3,2 = −1.7 × 10−2 N

V Ch. 16–6 Holt Physics Solution Manual