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  4. Three small spheres each carrying a charge q are placed on the circumference of a circle of radius R, forming an equilateral triangle. If we place another charge Q at the centre of the circle, the force on Q will be :

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Q. Three small spheres each carrying a charge $q$ are placed on the circumference of a circle of radius $R$, forming an equilateral triangle. If we place another charge $Q$ at the centre of the circle, the force on $Q$ will be :

Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Solution:

The resultant of three equal forces inclined to each other at $120^{\circ}$ is zero. Because : $F^2 + F^2 + 2F^2 \,cos\, 120^{\circ} = F^2$. That is the resultant of any two of them is equal and opposite to the third force.