Three point charges of +2 μC each are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides 0.10 m. What is the magnitude of the force on any one charge? Use k = 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C².
A3.6 N
B5.5 N
C6.2 N
D10.8 N
Explanation
📌 Force from one neighbor: F = kq²/d² = (8.99×10⁹)(2×10⁻⁶)²/(0.10)² = 3.596 N. Two such forces meet at 60°. Resultant = 2F·cos(30°) = 2(3.596)(0.866) = 6.23 N. Distractor A: only single force; B: added vectors as scalars; D: doubled correct.