Calculating Electric Field and Force in Vector Manipulation Problem

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field and force related to a point charge in a vector manipulation context. The original poster attempts to find the electric field at a specific point due to a given charge and subsequently determine the force on an electron in that field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary equations for calculating the electric field and force, with some questioning the correct application of formulas. There are attempts to clarify vector components and the significance of signs in calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering guidance on which equations may be relevant. There is a recognition of the need to identify appropriate formulas from a provided equation sheet, and some participants express frustration while trying to navigate the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a test equation sheet that contains various equations, which some participants find challenging to interpret. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the symbols and applicability of the equations for the specific problem at hand.

Noreturn
Messages
49
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


1. Calculate the electric field at field point 3i + 6j created by a 5.50uC electric charge at 13i + 8j

2. Calculate the electric force on an electron at field point 3i + 6j and in the same electric field calculated
for the prior problem.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Going to combine 2&3 together to see how far I get

So I know I need to find the difference of the two so:

3-13= 10i
6-8= -2j

|r|=sqrt (10^2-2^2) =sqrt (104)

Then I have r^=10/sqrt(104)i+2/sqrt(104)j

Then that is where I get lost there like some many equations to choose from I do not know which one to use.

Cause electric field= force/charge.

So would it be r^/5.5uC?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Noreturn said:
Then I have r^=10/sqrt(104)i+2/sqrt(104)j
You need a negative sign in front of the y-component. Also, it would help writing down all those equations that you have and are relevant. Then we could help you choose.
 
kuruman said:
You need a negative sign in front of the y-component. Also, it would help writing down all those equations that you have and are relevant. Then we could help you choose.

Well it's just a test equation sheet it's a full page of equations. Here is some of the equations he gives us. Kinda hard to follow but they are there.
https://imgur.com/bnpPbng
 
If you are about to take a test and this sheet was given to you to study from, it will be an excellent idea for you to know (a) what the symbols in these equations stand for and (b) when these equations are applicable. Here you want equations that are applicable to the electric field due to a point charge. Which one(s) do you think fit the bill?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: NFuller
Would it be E=Kq*r^?

So
E=(9*10^9)(5.5x10^-6/sqrt(104))(-10i-2j/sqrt(104)

E= -467i-93.3j
 
Noreturn said:
Would it be E=Kq*r^?
No it would not. This equation is not even on the sheet you posted.
 
Which one is it suppose to be? I was following notes that we took in recitation and that was the final answer he came up with.
 
The formula sheet that you were given shows equations that are starting points for solving problems. They are not final answers. If
Noreturn said:
... that was the final answer he came up with.
then that is an answer in the context of the problem that he solved, not necessarily something you can use for the problem you posted. You need to go back to the sheet and find the appropriate equation as I indicated in post #4. You have to learn how to do this on your own, else the equations sheet will be useless to you during a test.
 
So the only equation if I am looking right is:

E=Fon q/Q

So would it be (-10i-2j/sqrt(104))/(5.5*10^-6)
 
  • #10
That's the equation you should use to find the force in part 2. You still need to find the electric field at that point (part 1). Take a good [/color][/color] look at all the equations on your sheet. You are probably on the brink of being frustrated, but you have to learn to be methodical.
 
  • #11
kuruman said:
That's the equation you should use to find the force in part 2. You still need to find the electric field at that point (part 1). Take a good look at all the equations on your sheet. You are probably on the brink of being frustrated, but you have to learn to be methodical.

Ok think I found it you actually have to combine a couple to get it to work. This is one in the book that looks more correct:

E=Kq/r^2(r^) - and then this would match the work we did in the recitation class :)
 
  • #12
That's the one. You already have ##\hat{r}## so go for it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K