We are given the following information.
Charge q1 = -4.60x10-5 C
Charge q2 = +3.10x10-6 C
Charge q3 = -8.30x10-5 C
Distance between q1 and q2 = 0.350 m
Distance between q2 and q3 = 0.155 m
We are asked to find the x-component of the net force on q2.
The net force on q2 is due to the force q1 and q3.
Notice that charge q3 doesn't contribute a force component along the x axis.
So, the net force on q2 only comprises due to force q1.
The force on q2 due to the force q1 is given by
[tex]F=\frac{k\cdot q_1\cdot q_2}{d_{21}^2}[/tex]
Where k is the coulomb's constant (9×10⁹)
[tex]\begin{gathered} F=\frac{9\times10^9\cdot-4.60\times10^{-5}\cdot3.10\times10^{-6}}{0.350^2} \\ F=-10.48\;N \end{gathered}[/tex]
The charge q1 contributes an attractive force on the chage q2 (negative x direction).
Therefore, the x-component of the net force on q2 is -10.48 N.
