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Question
(a) Find the electric field at the center of the triangular configuration of charges in Figure 18.53, given that $q_a = +2.50 \textrm{ nC}$, $q_b = -8.00 \textrm{ nC}$, and $q_c = +1.50 \textrm{ nC}$. (b) Is there any combination of charges, other than $q_a = q_b = q_c$, that will produce a zero strength electric field at the center of the triangular configuration? The equilateral triangle has a side length of $25.0 \textrm{ cm}$.
Question Image
1. $4.33 \times 10^3 \textrm{ N/C, } 35.0^\circ \textrm{ below the positive x-axis}$
2. No, the only configuration is $q_a = q_b = q_c$
Solution Video

# OpenStax College Physics Solution, Chapter 18, Problem 50 (Problems & Exercises) (13:42)

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Submitted by tomai on Fri, 03/26/2021 - 08:58

How do you know that its 25cm

Submitted by tomai on Fri, 03/26/2021 - 11:08

Thanks for the clarifcation for the last question. My 2nd question is how do you know which side to find. Why do we try to solve for qc, why not qb?

Submitted by ShaunDychko on Wed, 03/31/2021 - 11:00

Hello, I'm not sure what you mean, since we're finding the electric field at the center of the triangle due to all three charges, not just $q_c$. Could you clarify your question?

In reply to by tomai