I'm very frustrated with this problem, I have no idea what I could be doing wrong.
In fig 21-23, the particles have charges q1 = -q2 = 100nC and q3 = -q4 = 200nC. The distance a=5.0 cm. What are the x and y components of the net force on particle 3?
The figure looks like this:
A square with all sides 5.0 cm.
Here's what I'm doing..
Since the net force on particle 3 is due to the sum of the forces due to 1, 2, and 4, I first find each of those by first noting the unit vector that connects them to particle 3.
The unit vector for 1 to 3 is -j
The unit vector for 2 to 3 is (-1/sqrt(2))i + (-1/sqrt(2))j
The unit vector for 4 to 3 is -i.
Next, using Coulombs law, I found the magnitude, noting whether or not it should oppose the unit vector above.
Force on 3 due to particle 1 = -0.07192j
Force on 3 due to particle 2 = 0.0508i + 0.0508j
Force on 3 due to particle 4 = .14384i
.19464i + -.02112j
Which isn't even close, though the signs are correct and the x component should be greater than the y, according to the answer key. I've worked it 3 times and get the same result every time, and I have no clue what I am doing wrong.