3 point charges are located on a circular arc as shown, what is the total electric field at P, the center of the arc?

Question

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

$$E=\frac{kq}{r^2}$$
i think this is the electric field equation

anonymous · Answer

Yes, I understand.

anonymous · Answer

cant view the picture, if i remember correctly, electric field are directional
so you need to break them up into x and y components before adding

i could be wrong, its been a while since i looked over this material

anonymous · Answer

Yes, I understand that as well.

anonymous · Answer

So for E_x = E1_x + E2_x + E3_x

anonymous · Answer

E1_x = Ke*q1cos(30)/r^2. but there's something missing with the cosine :(

anonymous · Answer

im confused, what's your question

do you mean something is missing with the cosine?

anonymous · Answer

make sure you're not using radians?
check your units?

anonymous · Answer

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110126090615AAUduwz

anonymous · Answer

^0 im assuming degree marks...

anonymous · Answer

$$30 ^\circ $$

anonymous · Answer

oh, thanks! i figured that out! haha! took me long enough :)