Electric field accelerated proton

AI Thread Summary
The electric field at a point is given as E = (200i + 900j) N/C, and the task is to determine the proton's acceleration. The x-component of the electric force on the proton is calculated as Fx = 3.20×10−17 N, and the y-component is Fy = 1.44×10−16 N. The net force is incorrectly summed as 1.76×10^-16 N, leading to an acceleration calculation of 1.05×10^11 m/s², which is incorrect. It is emphasized that vector magnitudes should not be simply added; proper vector addition is required to find the resultant force. Correctly applying vector principles will yield the accurate magnitude of the proton's acceleration.
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Homework Statement



The electric field at a point in space is E= (200i+ 900j)N/C .
What is the magnitude of the proton's acceleration?


Homework Equations



a = F _{on q} / m = (q/m) E


The Attempt at a Solution



I determined earlier that the x-component of the electric force on a proton was Fx = 3.20×10−17 N
Then
I found that the y-component of the electric force on a proton is Fy = 1.44×10−16 N
I know both of these are correct So
I added Fx and Fy together getting 1.76*10^-16
then I divided this net force by the mass of a proton: 1.67x10^-27 kg as the formula above suggest and got 1.05*10^11 as my answer...it's wrong but I have no idea wrong. Please help
 
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SixPaperCups said:

Homework Statement



The electric field at a point in space is E= (200i+ 900j)N/C .
What is the magnitude of the proton's acceleration?


Homework Equations



a = F _{on q} / m = (q/m) E


The Attempt at a Solution



I determined earlier that the x-component of the electric force on a proton was Fx = 3.20×10−17 N
Then
I found that the y-component of the electric force on a proton is Fy = 1.44×10−16 N
I know both of these are correct So
I added Fx and Fy together getting 1.76*10^-16
then I divided this net force by the mass of a proton: 1.67x10^-27 kg as the formula above suggest and got 1.05*10^11 as my answer...it's wrong but I have no idea wrong. Please help
The electric field strength and force are vectors. One does not simply add the magnitudes of the components of a vector to obtain the magnitude of the vector.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vect.html#vec4
 
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