How Is the Electric Field Calculated at the Third Vertex of a Triangle?

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SUMMARY

The electric field at the third vertex of an equilateral triangle can be calculated using the formula E = kq/r², where k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²) and q is the charge. In the discussion, the user calculated the electric fields E1 and E2 for two vertices, both yielding values of 8.99 x 10^13 N/C. The user correctly decomposed these into x and y components, but initially miscalculated the final numerical answers for the components, leading to confusion. The correct resultant electric field at the third vertex is 1.56 x 10^14 N/C.

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  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
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skg94
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Homework Statement


What is the electric field at the third vertex.

http://tinypic.com/r/350toif/6


edit- not working actual link works = http://tinypic.com/r/350toif/6

Homework Equations


E=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


E1= (labeled on the diagram) = (8.99*10^9)(4)/(.02)^2 = 8.99*10^13
E2 = same, since equal triangle

E1x= 8.99*10^13cos60=7.78556838*10^13
E1y= " sin60 = 4.495*10^13

Now if my theory is right, this x and y are n of e so both are positive.

E2x= -7.78556838*10^13
E2y= 4.495*10^13

Ex= E1x+E2x=0
Ey=E1y+E2y=8.99*10^13
\sqrt{Ex^2+Ey^2} = 8.99*10^13

which isn't the answer i don't know where I've gone wrong

answers on the picture, 1.56*10^14 N/c
 
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skg94 said:
E1x= 8.99*10^13cos60=7.78556838*10^13
E1y= " sin60 = 4.495*10^13

You have it set up correctly. Somehow you switched the final numerical answers for the x and y components.
 
TSny said:
You have it set up correctly. Somehow you switched the final numerical answers for the x and y components.

OH nvm ignore that, i got it thanks stupid mistake
 

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