Electric Field at Point C: A to B & B to C

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field at point C due to charges A and B, with specific values provided for the charges and their distances. The context is within electrostatics, focusing on the interactions between point charges and the resulting electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of formulas related to electric fields and forces between charges. Questions arise about the correct use of values in these formulas and the interpretation of results. Some participants express confusion over the calculations and the concept of charge at point C.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the calculations and the principles involved. There is a mix of attempts to apply formulas and questions about the assumptions made regarding the presence of charge at point C. Guidance has been offered regarding the nature of electric fields and the treatment of charges.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the definition of electric fields and the role of charge at point C, with participants questioning whether a charge is necessary for calculating the electric field at that point. Additionally, the accuracy of numerical calculations and the interpretation of signs in the equations are under scrutiny.

marshall4
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Charge A is +2.5*10^-5C Charge B is -3.7*10^-7C.
A is 25cm away from B. Point C is 10cm away from point B. What is the electric field at C? All points are in a line A--B-C.
 
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[tex]A: 25\mu C, B: -.37\mu C, C: ?[/tex]

[tex] \begin{equation*}<br /> \begin{split}<br /> E &= \frac{F}{q}<br /> &= \frac{kqQ/r^2}{q}<br /> &= k\frac{Q}{r^2}<br /> &= \frac{Q}{4\pi \sigma_{0}r^2}<br /> \end{split}<br /> \end{equation*}[/tex]
 
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I have no idea what you just wrote. What numbrs do i put in for where?
 
A, B, attract each other.

[tex]F_{AB} = k\frac{Q_1 Q_2}{r^2} = 6.796 * 10^{21}[/tex]

[tex]E = F/q[/tex]

Should be easy from there.


Edit: q could be thought as a differential, a number really close to 0, but never reach 0; so:

[tex]E = \lim_{q-->0} \frac{F}{q}[/tex]
 
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How do i find the charge (q) at C for [tex]E = F/q[/tex]
 
How did you figue out [tex]F_{AB} = k\frac{Q_1 Q_2}{r^2} = 6.796 * 10^{21}[/tex]
k=9.0*10^9
q1= 2.5*10^-5 C
q2=-3.7*10^-7 C
r=0.35m

With those numbers i got -0.6795 N

What did i do wrong?


Also, can this problem be solved by finding electric fields separately and then adding them??
 
You've posted 5 questions all of which involve using the same basic formulas. Show us what you have done on the problem.
 
Originally posted by marshall4
How did you figue out [tex]F_{AB} = k\frac{Q_1 Q_2}{r^2} = 6.796 * 10^{21}[/tex]
k=9.0*10^9
q1= 2.5*10^-5 C
q2=-3.7*10^-7 C
r=0.35m

With those numbers i got -0.6795 N

What did i do wrong?


Also, can this problem be solved by finding electric fields separately and then adding them??

When i use the formula [tex]F_{AB} = k\frac{Q_1 Q_2}{r^2}[/tex] Do i multiply that negative sign in the equation for a negative charge?
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
You've posted 5 questions all of which involve using the same basic formulas. Show us what you have done on the problem.

This is what i did Fe=[(9.0*10^9)(2.5*10^10-5)(3.7*10^-70]/(.25)^2 =1.332

[tex]E = F/q[/tex] , but i don't know that charge at C

Is that what i do? Or what did i do wrong



PS. Is there some kind of software that i can get so i don't have to keep using ^ for exponents?
 
  • #10
If i try this [tex]E = \lim_{q-->0} \frac{F}{q}[/tex] i will get

[tex]E = \lim_{q-->0} \frac{F(x+q)-F(x)}{q}[/tex] , i don't kow that the numbers are? I don't think i got the step before this
 
  • #11
1. There is NO charge at C. The "electric field" (since you are treating it as a scalar) at a point is, by definition, the force that would be applied to a unit charge.

2. You don't need special software. On this forum x [ s u p]2[ / s u p] (without the spaces) will give x2.

There is a thread at the top of each forum area called
"Announcement: Howto Make Math Symbols Update" that explains that and more.
 
  • #12
Would this work?

Find the electric fields a pont A & B. Then add the two fields ? Or would you subtract the two fields ?

Use the formula [tex]{E} = k\frac{Q}{r^2}[/tex]


Is the field on point A & B going left or right?
 
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