Solving a Suspended Ball in an Electric Field

[Jabababa]

Homework Statement

a 030 kg ball is suspended in a uniform electric field as shown. If the charge on the ball is 500 x10^-4 C, what is the electric field strength?

Homework Equations

E= F/Q

The Attempt at a Solution

I did this by using the triangle method. draw the forces with a triangle(look at the attachment).
My question is did i draw the triangle right? Does the direction of the Electric field affect my answer?

 

[ap123]

My question is did i draw the triangle right?

Since the ball is in equilibrium, the forces on it must add to zero.
Look at the direction of the tension force in your triangle.

 

[Jabababa]

oh my, thank you so much ap123!

I just got the tension force backwards, now it makes much more sense! thank you !

 

[ap123]

Have you worked out the value for the electric field?

 

[Jabababa]

yes i got 1.25 x10^3 N/C to the left