Polar coordinates of an electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the direction of the electric field created by three point charges using polar coordinates. The charges are Q1= 5.00E-9C, Q2= 6.00E-9C, and Q3= -7.00E-9C. The user calculated the electric field components but obtained an incorrect angle of 24.63°. A suggestion was made to review the signs of the components and to clarify the location of interest, which is Point P (0.3m, -0.1m). Accurate calculations of the electric field direction are essential for solving the problem correctly.
netteo
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Homework Statement



Three charges are arranged as presented below. Q1= 5.00E-9C, Q2= 6.00E-9C and Q3= -7.00E-9C.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9250/physicskf.png

D) Find the direction of the above electric field using the polar coordinate system 0°< θ <360°

Homework Equations



tan θ = o/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I found my

E1 = 500
E2 = 5400
E3 = -700

Ex = 500 cos 18.4° + (-700) = -225.6
Ey = 500 sin 18.4° + 5400 = 5557.8

But the angle that I got was incorrect which was 24.63°.

Help anyone?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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netteo said:

Homework Statement



Three charges are arranged as presented below. Q1= 5.00E-9C, Q2= 6.00E-9C and Q3= -7.00E-9C.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9250/physicskf.png

D) Find the direction of the above electric field using the polar coordinate system 0°< θ <360°

Homework Equations



tan θ = o/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I found my

E1 = 500
E2 = 5400
E3 = -700

Ex = 500 cos 18.4° + (-700) = -225.6
Ey = 500 sin 18.4° + 5400 = 5557.8

But the angle that I got was incorrect which was 24.63°.

Help anyone?
You are finding the Electris Field at what location?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oops, sorry about that. Point P (0.3m,-0.1m)
 
Review the signs of your components .
 
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