Calculating Electric Field Strength for Three Charges

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field strength at a specific point due to three point charges: 6.5 µC, 4.5 µC, and -1.2 µC, arranged in a linear configuration. The user initially calculated the electric field using the formula E = k*q/r², where k = 9 x 10⁹ N m²/C². The user’s initial calculation yielded an incorrect result of 4.26 x 10⁸ N/C, prompting a request for assistance in verifying the distances used in the calculations. Ultimately, the user confirmed the correct distances and resolved the issue with the help of forum members.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric field calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of point charges
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly microcoulombs to coulombs
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of electric field calculations using Coulomb's Law
  • Learn about vector addition of electric fields from multiple charges
  • Explore the impact of charge sign and distance on electric field strength
  • Practice problems involving electric fields from multiple point charges
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Students in physics, electrical engineering professionals, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics and electric field calculations.

Punchlinegirl
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Consider three charges arranged as shown.

6.5 [tex]\mu C[/tex] 4.5 [tex]\mu C[/tex] -1.2 [tex]\mu C[/tex]
x--------3.9 cm----------x-----1.2 cm-------x

Sorry, I can't post the picture on here, but basically it's 3 charges in a row, separated by 3.9 and 1.2 cm.

What is the electric field strength at a point 2.7 cm to the left of the middle charge Answer in units of N/C.

First I drew a diagram and figured out that the total E field would be to the right
The point would be located 1.2 cm to the right of the first charge, and 2.7 cm to the left of the second charge.
Then I used the equation for Electric Field, k*q/r^2
k*(6.5 x 10^-6)/ (.012)^2 - k*(4.5 x 10^-6)/(.027)^2 + k* (1.2x 10^-6)/ (.012)^2 .
where k= 9 x 10^9.
Plugging in and solving gave me 4.26 x 10^8 N/C, which isn't right... can someone please help me?
 
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Punchlinegirl said:
k*(6.5 x 10^-6)/ (.012)^2 - k*(4.5 x 10^-6)/(.027)^2 + k* (1.2x 10^-6)/ (.012)^2 .
recheck that third distance.
 
I got it... thanks
 

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