Electric Field Corner homework problem

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric field at the fourth corner of a rectangle with positive charges at three corners, the individual electric fields from each charge must be calculated using the formula E = K q / r^2. The calculated electric fields are 675 n/C from the 3.00 nC charge, 113 n/C from the 5.00 nC charge, and 150 n/C from the 6.00 nC charge. The next step involves combining these vector components, taking care to account for their directions based on the positive nature of the charges. A vector diagram is recommended for visualizing the components and summing them to find the resultant electric field. It's crucial to ensure the correct formula is used, as the electric field should not drop a factor of r in the denominator.
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Homework Statement


Positive charges are situated at three corners of a rectangle, as shown in the attachment. Find the electric field at the fourth corner.


the numbers are: bottom left- 3.00 nC bottom right-5.00 nC top right- 6.00 nC
the length of the rectangle is .6 m and the width is .2 m

Homework Equations



F=K q1/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I found all of the forces

F1= 9*10^9 (3*10^-9/.2^2) = 675 n/C

F2= 9*10^9(5*10^-9/.63^2) = 113 n/C

F3= 9*10^9(6*10^-9/.6^2) = 150 n/C

Then I know you have to combine vectors and get the answer, but that's what I'm having trouble doing.
Please help!
Thanks in advance:bugeye:
 

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Just a quick note, usually E is reserved for the field and F is for the force.
It is unclear to me as to whether the charges are positive or negative and this will determine the direction of the field. (your calculation seems to imply that they are all positive)
So once you have the magnitude of the individual components of the field, I would draw them on a vector diagram. Choose a coordinate system and break up each vector into components along each of the coordinate axes. Add like components to get the resultant field in components. Then you may express the final result in a variety of ways- leave it in components, express it as a magnitude and direction, etc.
 
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The force between 2 charges is given by

F = K q1 q2/r^2 and the field from a charge is E = K q / r^2

See here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_field

[edited - thanks Robb ]
 
Last edited:
Mentz114 said:
The force between 2 charges is given by

F = K q1 q2/r^2 and the field from a charge is E = K q / r

See here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_field
Careful, you dropped a factor of r in the denominator for the field.
 
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