How to Calculate Electric Field and Potential at a Triangle Midpoint?

[besnik93]

Homework Statement

Three ions, each with a charge Q = e, located at the corners of an equilateral triangle with
side length r midpoint of one of the sides of the triangle described M.

a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field E of the three ions generated at point M.
Size E is expressed by the symbols e and r addition, the value of E is calculated when
r=1,2*10^-10m

b) Calculate the electric potential V at point M. Size V must be expressed by the symbols e and r
In addition, the value of V is calculated as r=1,2*10^-10m.

The Attempt at a Solution

a) I know that the electric field is a vector which is the vector sum of all the sources contribution, but I find it hard to express it.
b) I know that the potential is a scalar size (ie without direction) whose value is the sum of all sources contributions.

Can someone help please?

 

[dauto]

Calculate the field due to each individual ion (can you do that?) and add the vectors. do the same for the potential which is easier since at the end you have a scalar addition.

 

[besnik93]

I don't know how to add the vectors?

 

[dauto]

I don't know how to add the vectors?

Than you have to go back to basics, practice vector addition, before attempting that problem.

 

[besnik93]

How can it become vectors, i don't understand it

 

[dauto]

How can it become vectors, i don't understand it

And I don't understand your question. What is that "it" you're talking about? nothing becomes vectors. The electric field IS always a vector and the potential is never a vector.