Help finding component of electric force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric force on charge 3 due to charge 1 using Coulomb's Law, represented by the equation F=kqq/r^2. The user initially calculated the angle theta as 26.565 degrees and the distance r as 1.118 m. However, the user encountered an error in their force calculation, specifically in the distance used, as the correct distance should be the square root of 1.25 m, not 1.25 m itself. This clarification is crucial for obtaining the accurate force value.

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Homework Statement



aac5m9.png
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In this problem I am trying to understand the solution for finding the net force on charge 3 due to charge 1.
However, I am getting stuck already on F31x.

Homework Equations


F=kqq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I found theta by tan-1(0.5/1)=26.565degrees
r= sqrt (1^2+0.5^2) = sqrt (1.25)= 1.118

So I did F31x=[k(3X10-6)(-2X10-9)]/ (1.118^2) = 4.32 X 10^5(cos26.565)=-3.86X10^-5N in the i direction

this is obviously incorrect but I don't understand why please help.

Thank you![/B]
 

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I get the same result as you.
The book used 1.25 m as distance instead of the correct ##\sqrt{1.25}\, m##.
 

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