Electric Field at Point Z, Two Charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field force at a specific point (point Z) due to two charges, as depicted in a diagram provided by the original poster. The problem involves understanding the relationships between angles, trigonometric functions, and the resultant electric field values.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of trigonometric functions in calculating components of the electric field, particularly questioning the use of sine and cosine in relation to angles derived from the diagram.

Discussion Status

There are ongoing attempts to reconcile differences in calculated values, with some participants identifying errors in their previous calculations. Guidance has been offered regarding the correct trigonometric functions to use, although no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific angles and trigonometric relationships, and there is mention of a diagram that is crucial for understanding the problem setup. Some confusion arises from the use of different angles and their corresponding sine and cosine values.

mike_302
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Homework Statement



I have drawn the diagram on the attached page... IT contains all information. The question is simply to determine the electric field force at point Z (which is at the very upper edge of the page)



Homework Equations



epsilon= Fe/q


The Attempt at a Solution



scan0001.jpg


I just noticed I forgot to square root the radius (rAZ and rBZ) in the top right corner.. that changes my answer, but not to the right answer... Now I get 1.44*10^5 . Correct answer is 1.21*10^5

What's wrong :S
 
Last edited:
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I think it should be sin(90 - theta), not sin(theta)
 
woah... woah... why? tan(theta)=.04/.03 ... that's unarguable... that gives my radius...

And in the Y-component part, we are taught to use sin(theta) for Y-components, where theta is the angle from the positive x-axis.
 
Sorry, I confused sin with cos :S

Edit2: I keep getting 1.15 * 10^5
 
Last edited:
Figured it out... I dropped the sin(53.13) when I multiplied by 2... but to answer your question, sin(180-theta)=sin(theta)
 

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