Let's solve the problem step by step: **Given:** - Each charge, \( q = 4\,\mu C = 4 \times 10^{-6} \,C \) - Each side of the equilateral triangle, \( a = 1.2\,m \) We are to **find the magnitude and direction of the net force on each charge** due to the other two. --- ## **Step 1: Find the force between any two charges** Using Coulomb's law: \[ F = k_e \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2} \] Where: - \( k_e = 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2 \) - \( q_1 = q_2 = 4 \times 10^{-6} \, C \) - \( r = 1.2 \, m \) Substitute the values: \[ F = (8.99 \times 10^9) \frac{(4 \times 10^{-6})^2}{(1.2)^2} \] \[ = (8.99 \times 10^9) \frac{16 \times 10^{-12}}{1.44} \] \[ = (8.99 \times 10^9) \times (11.11 \times 10^{-12}) \] \[ = 99.89 \times 10^{-3} \] \[ = 0.0999\, \text{N} \] --- ## **Step 2: Find the net force on one charge** Let’s focus on one charge, say at point \( A \). The forces due to the other two charges (\( B \) and \( C \)) are both of magnitude \( 0.0999 \,N \), and the angle between them is \( 60^\circ \) (since it’s an equilateral triangle). The net force is the **vector sum** of these two forces. By symmetry, the resultant will be along the angle bisector, pointing **away from the center** of the triangle. The magnitude is given by: \[ F_{net} = 2F \cos\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) \] where \( \theta = 60^\circ \): \[ F_{net} = 2 \times 0.0999 \times \cos(30^\circ) \] \[ \cos(30^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 0.866 \] \[ F_{net} = 2 \times 0.0999 \times 0.866 \] \[ F_{net} = 0.1998 \times 0.866 \] \[ F_{net} \approx 0.173 \, N \] --- ## **Step 3: Direction** The direction is **outward along the angle bisector** between the lines joining the charge with the other two charges. For each charge, the net force points directly **away from the center of the triangle**. --- ## **Final Answer** ### **Magnitude of net force on each charge:** \[ \boxed{0.173\, \text{N}} \] ### **Direction:** Outward along the angle bisector, away from the center of the triangle (symmetrically for each charge).

The net electrostatic force on each charge in an equilateral triangle due to the other two charges is equal in magnitude (~0.173 N) and directed outward along the bisector of the angle formed by the two forces.