Horizontal component of an electric field at origin

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the horizontal component of an electric field at the origin of a semi-circle. The user attempted to apply the formula k∏(Q)/r, resulting in an incorrect value of -1.961 * 10^6. The error stems from misapplying the point-charge formula and incorrectly defining the variable r, which should not represent the length of the semi-circle. Clarification on the correct application of electric field calculations for continuous charge distributions is necessary.

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Homework Statement


Calculating the horizontal component of an electric field at the origin of a semi circle. The image link is: http://imgur.com/SXYs4Rp

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using the formula k∏(Q)/r (8.98755*10^9)∏(-7.85*10^-6) / .113 = -1.961 * 10^6.
Can anyone see what I am doing wrong?
 
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Where does your formula come from? It looks like a wrong application of the formula for a point-charge. Certainly your charge is not a point.
How did you get r? This is not the same as the length of the semi-circle.
 
The formula was from an example in the book where they used the length of the curve as r but I am guessing I have the wrong formula.
 

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