Charge vs. Electric Field Strength

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between charge (Q) and electric field strength (|E|), specifically how to graph these variables and interpret the results. The relevant equation is |E| = F/Q, which can be rearranged to Q = F/|E|. To create a linear graph, one can plot Q against 1/|E|, resulting in a straight line where the slope represents the force (F). The units of C^2/N do not have a direct physical interpretation in this context, but the linear relationship provides valuable insights into the behavior of electric fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Familiarity with the equation |E| = F/Q
  • Knowledge of graphing linear equations
  • Basic concepts of charge in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric field strength and its applications
  • Learn about graphing techniques for linear equations
  • Explore the implications of Coulomb's law in electrostatics
  • Investigate the relationship between force, charge, and electric fields in different scenarios
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Students and educators in physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electrostatics and electric fields.

Sperry
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The question in question:
"If charge was plotted versus electric field strength; what shape of graph would you get? How would you straighten in? What quantity would the slope of the straightened graph represent?"

Related equation: |E|= F/q

Ignoring the graphing information, the question (as far as I gather) seems to be asking me to rearrange for q/|E|.

Now,
|E|q = F
q = F/|E|
q/|E| = F/|E|^2
From that, plotting charge versus field strength results in Force versus the square of the field strength. Which doesn't seem very helpful at all. The units there are C/(N/C), or C^2/N.

So, my issue: Am I going about this in the right way? If so, where do I go from here? Does C^2/N represent anything of worth?

At a bit of a loss here, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Sperry said:
The question in question:
"If charge was plotted versus electric field strength; what shape of graph would you get? How would you straighten in? What quantity would the slope of the straightened graph represent?"

I think this is asking what you would plot so that the graph becomes a straight line.

You are correct in saying that E=\frac{F}{Q} If you re-arrange for Q, you get
Q = \frac{F}{E}

How would you put that in the form Y=MX+C to get it into a straight line?
 

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