Electic field question - geometry

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net electric field at a specific point due to multiple charges arranged in a geometric configuration, specifically a pentagon with a central charge. The original poster is focused on determining the angle necessary to resolve components of the electric field vector.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the angle at point P to resolve the electric field components, questioning whether the line from P bisects a specific angle. Other participants suggest that symmetry may simplify the problem, particularly regarding the cancellation of x components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the symmetry of the configuration, but the original poster is still seeking clarification on the angle needed for further calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided specific measurements and a diagram, indicating that certain assumptions about the geometry and angles are under consideration. There is a focus on the implications of these assumptions for calculating the electric field components.

flythisforme
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I have a problem where I need to find the net electric field on a point due to 6 charges. I attached the diagram. It is a pentagon of 5 charges with a 6th charge in the center. Each side of the pentagon is 4 mm, and there is a point P on the center of one side. I found that the line from point P to point 1 of the pentagon is 4.99mm, using the law of cosines. I need to figure out what the angle is at point P from the line to the side of the pentagon (the one I marked with a question mark), so I can find the x and y components of this line. I am not sure if the line bisects the 54° angle at point 1. Can someone help me with this?

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it.
 

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Are you trying to find the field at point P? All the x components cancel by symmetry..
 
Yeah, but I need the angle there to find the y component of it.
 
If line P to 1 is 5, then use the law of sines.

[tex]\frac{sin(a)}{A} = \frac{sin(b)}{B}[/tex]
 

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