Electric Field and Electric Potential

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the strength of the electric field midway between two point charges, one positive and one negative, separated by a specified distance. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of relevant equations for electric fields and forces, with some expressing confusion over their calculations. Questions arise regarding unit conversions and the necessity of showing work for clarity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions about unit conversions and the values used in calculations. There is a focus on clarifying the steps taken and the need for more detailed information to identify potential errors.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the importance of showing work to facilitate understanding and troubleshooting. The original poster's reference to a "huge" answer indicates a possible misunderstanding or miscalculation that remains unaddressed.

stonecoldgen
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Homework Statement


Find the strength of the electric field midway between two point charges, q1=5.78nC and q2=-5.78nC separated by 68cm.


Homework Equations


Kq1q2/r2=F

\epsilon=F/q


The Attempt at a Solution


I just tried the problem as a two step equation but it's giving me a huge answer. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.
 
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stonecoldgen said:

Homework Statement


Find the strength of the electric field midway between two point charges, q1=5.78nC and q2=-5.78nC separated by 68cm.


Homework Equations


Kq1q2/r2=F

\epsilon=F/q


The Attempt at a Solution


I just tried the problem as a two step equation but it's giving me a huge answer. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

Now how could anyone tell you what you are doing wrong if you don't show your work?
 
I plugged the numbers on the first equation, which gave me the force.

Then plugged force into the second equation and divided by q, but it's giving me a huge huge number.
 
Did you convert the 68cm to m?
 
stonecoldgen said:
I plugged the numbers on the first equation, which gave me the force.

Then plugged force into the second equation and divided by q, but it's giving me a huge huge number.

The magnitude of the electric field due to a charge q is E=Kq/r^2. Remember it also has a direction you need to find. I don't know how you could find a force. What value are you using for the charge at the midpoint? And I'll say this once more, "huge huge number" doesn't mean anything informative. Show your numbers. What you put in, what formulas you put it into and what you got.
 

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