Strength of electrostatic force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the strength of the electrostatic force on a point charge located at the top of an equilateral triangle formed by three point charges. The Coulomb constant used is 8.98755 x 10^9 N*m²/C², and the length of each side of the triangle is 0.19 m. The forces F1 and F2 are calculated using the formula F = [k(q1)(q2)] / r², with F1 resulting in approximately 0.88073 N. Further vector analysis is required to determine the resultant force acting on the top charge.

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bastige
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Homework Statement


Three point charges are located at the corner of an equilateral triangle. The Coulomb constant is 8.98755 X 109 N*m2 / C2
What is the strength of the electrostatic force on the top charge? Answer in units of N.

Length of each side is .19m

Photo: http://rs300l32.rapidshare.com/files/102321145/876fa4a066b34fc617aee82211671f78.jpg


Homework Equations



F= [k(q1)(q2)] / r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I must get F1 & F2, but then I don't know what to do

F1=[k(2.68E-6)(1.32E-6)] / .19^2 = .880730107

F2= [k(2.68E-6)(-3.93E-6)] / .19^2



I
 
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can you please upload the diagram to imageshack.us?
 
Vector analysis. Break the force into its components.
 

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