Calculating Electric Field Strength and Direction for a Negative Charge

AI Thread Summary
A negative charge of 3.5 × 10–8 C experiences a force of 0.070 N to the right, leading to an electric field strength calculation using the formula E = F/q. The calculated electric field strength is 2.0 x 10^6 N/C directed to the left. There was confusion regarding a friend's answer of 0.02 N/C, which seems incorrect based on the calculations provided. Clarification was sought on the discrepancy in answers, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the work for accuracy. The final consensus confirms that the electric field strength is indeed 2.0 x 10^6 N/C to the left.
dragon-kazooie
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I think I have this correct, could someone please verify? I compared answers with a friend who got 2.0 x 106 N/C to the left, and I can't figure out how they got that answer, so I'm hoping mine is right...

1. Homework Statement

A negative charge of 3.5 × 10–8 C experiences a force of 0.070 N to the right in an electric field. What is the field magnitude and direction?

Homework Equations


Electric field strength = f / q

The Attempt at a Solution



Electric field strength = f / q

Electric field strength = 0.070 N / 3.5x10-8

Electric field strength = 2x106 N/C To the left
 
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Funny, ##2\times 10^6## N/C to the left looks to me to be the same as ##2\times 10^6## N/C to the left . Or do you mean you found ##2\times 106 = 212 ## N/C to the left ?
 
BvU said:
Funny, ##2\times 10^6## N/C to the left looks to me to be the same as ##2\times 10^6## N/C to the left . Or do you mean you found ##2\times 106 = 212 ## N/C to the left ?

Oh goodness, I got myself all mixed up. I should have written "I compared answers with a friend who got 0.02 N/C to the left, and I can't figure out how they got that answer, so I'm hoping mine is right..."

Thank you for asking for clarification. I'm sorry that I didn't proof read my question closely enough!
 
dragon-kazooie said:
Electric field strength = 2x106 N/C To the left
Once you fix your exponent, this looks correct to me.
dragon-kazooie said:
a friend who got 0.02 N/C
Not sure how your friend could have gotten this. Maybe ask them to show your their work?
 
Thank you!
 
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