Electric field at point p if p is on a bisector between two opposite charges

In summary, the question asks to determine the magnitude of the electric field at point P, located a distance x from the midpoint between two charges separated by a distance of 2a. The equation for electric field is given as e=(kq)/(r^2) and the answer should be expressed in terms of Q, x, a, and k. The solution can be found by using Pythagoras' theorem instead of trigonometric functions.
  • #1
zyphriss2
18
0

Homework Statement


Determine magnitude of the electric field at the point P. The two charges are separated by a distance of 2a. Point P is on the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the charges, a distance x from the midpoint between them. Express your answer in terms of Q, x, a, and k.


Homework Equations


e=(kq)/(r^2)



The Attempt at a Solution


Top e=((8.99x10^9)*Q)/(tan^-1(a/x))
Bottom e=((8.99x10^9)*Q)/(tan^-1(a/x))

I just don't know how to determine the magnitude, and express my answer in terms of the given variables...i do know that the answer is in terms of q
 
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  • #2
Hi zyphriss2! :smile:
zyphriss2 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Top e=((8.99x10^9)*Q)/(tan^-1(a/x))
Bottom e=((8.99x10^9)*Q)/(tan^-1(a/x))

oooh … why so trigonmetric? :cry:

just use Pythagoras! :smile:
 

1. What is an electric field?

The electric field is a physical quantity that describes the strength and direction of the force exerted on a charged particle by another charged particle. It is represented by a vector and is measured in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C).

2. What is a point P on a bisector between two opposite charges?

A point P on a bisector between two opposite charges is a point that lies on a line that divides the distance between two opposite charges in half. This point is equidistant from both charges and is commonly used to calculate the electric field at that point.

3. How is the electric field at point P calculated?

The electric field at point P can be calculated using the formula E = kQ/r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the magnitude of the charge, and r is the distance between the charge and point P. This formula applies to a point charge, but for multiple charges, the electric field is calculated by vector addition of individual electric fields.

4. What happens to the electric field if the distance between the charges changes?

If the distance between the charges changes, the electric field at point P will also change. According to the inverse square law, the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges. This means that as the distance increases, the electric field decreases, and vice versa.

5. How does the direction of the electric field change at different points on the bisector?

At any point on the bisector between two opposite charges, the electric field will be directed away from the positive charge and towards the negative charge. This direction remains the same throughout the bisector, but the magnitude of the electric field may vary depending on the distance from the charges.

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