Solving Coulomb's Law Homework Problem

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    Coulomb's law Law
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The discussion focuses on a homework problem involving Coulomb's Law, where the user struggles with vector addition and calculating forces between charges. The problem requires determining the force on a 1.0 nC charge due to two other charges, 2.0 nC and -2.0 nC, with a specified distance of 1.0 cm. The user has identified the charges and applied the Coulomb's Law formula but is confused about incorporating angles and the magnitude of the forces, leading to unexpectedly large results. Clarification on vector addition and the correct application of Coulomb's Law is needed to solve the problem accurately. Understanding these concepts is essential for successfully completing the assignment.
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Homework Statement


Having trouble with my vector addition when it comes to this homework question. Not really sure how to go about solving this problem since I'm new to coulomb's law problems and my prof didnt really give us many examples in class. Here is the picture of the charges. The question asks:
A)What is the force F⃗ on the 1.0 nC charge and Determine the magnitude of the force F.
B)Determine the direction of the force F⃗ .
Assume that +x axis is directed from the 2.0 nC charge to the -2.0 nC charge





Homework Equations


eqn for coulomb's F=K(q1)(q2)/r^2 K=9.0x10^9

I named q1=-2.0nC=-2.0X10^-9 C
q2=2.0nC=2.0X10^-9 C
q3=1.0nC=1.0X10^-9 C




The Attempt at a Solution


I tried doing the action reaction force of F(1on2) but not sure what to do with the angles and also not sure if my answers make sense since i was getting very large answers.
 

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Should also mention r=1.0cm=0.01m
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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