Point charges magnitude and direction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net electric force on a 0.40 µC charge located at the corners of an equilateral triangle, influenced by two other charges: A (0.20 µC) and B (6.60 µC), and C (-3.80 µC). The formula used is F = Ke |q1||q2|/r², where Ke is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²). The initial calculations yielded a net force of 0.062 N at 275 degrees, but the error was identified as using radians instead of degrees in the calculator, leading to the correct force being recalculated as approximately 0.20 N.

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Homework Statement


Three point charges are located at the corners of an equilateral triangle as in the figure below. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force on the 0.40 µC charge. (A = 0.20 µC, B = 6.60 µC, and C = -3.80 µC.). Diagram below...



Homework Equations



F= Ke |q1||q2|/r^2, cos and sin symbols



The Attempt at a Solution



a) .20*10^-6*(6.60*10^-6)*8.99*10^9/(.500)^2 = .0474672
b) .20*10^-6*(3.80*10^-6)*8.99*10^9/(.500)^2 =.0273296

.0474672*cos(240) = .015463926386
.0474672*sin(240) = .044877634258

= .015463926386 + .0273296 = .042793526386

.042793526386^2 + .044877634258^2 = .003845287957 = sqrt(.003845287957 ) = 0.062 N. Direction is 275 degrees. However, according the real solution, the answer is not 0.062! Can someone find what I did wrong here?
 

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Where is the 0.40 µC charge located in the picture?

Edit: At any rate, I found the problem. You had your calculator in radians mode. In degrees mode, 0.0474672sin(240) = -0.0411.
 
Last edited:
it is supposed to be .20, sorry, but thanks :)
 

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