Electric Field at Midway Point of Two Opposite Charges

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    Electric Physics
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field at a point midway between two opposite charges of equal magnitude, positioned along the x-axis. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the expected outcome of the electric field being zero due to the equal and opposite nature of the charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to sum the electric fields from both charges using the formula for electric field strength, but questions their assumption about the fields canceling out. Other participants suggest reviewing the directions of the electric fields and clarify the behavior of electric fields around positive and negative charges.

Discussion Status

The discussion has evolved with participants providing insights into the nature of electric fields and their directions. There is recognition of the original poster's realization about the behavior of the fields, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the cancellation of electric fields and the implications of charge polarity. The original poster's confusion stems from the expectation that equal magnitudes would lead to cancellation, which is being critically examined in the discussion.

GenMipps
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This problem looked so easy at first:

Two opposite charges of equal magnitude 7e-07 C are held on an x-axis 0.7 m apart, with the negative charge on the right. What are the magnitude and direction of E at the point midway between charges?

I had the idea that I would solve this by summing up the electric fields.
Et = E1 + E2
and
E = kq/r^2

I started to do the numbers, then stopped when it become very obvious that since the two charges were equal but opposite in charge, the electric field midway would have to be zero, as we would have two equal electric fields cancelling each other out. But the online homework marker says it isn't zero. What part of my assumption is wrong?
 
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No, the electric field points away from + charges and toward - charges. The E field accelerates + charges in the direction of the E field vector. Does that help? What equation specifies the electric field distribution due to a point charge?
 
Are you sure the electric fields cancel each other out? You may want to review their directions.
 
Wow, I am an idiot, I solved it myself. For anyone who cares, the fields would cancel each other out if they were equal. Since they are opposite, the field in the middle is doubled.
 
No, you're not an idiot. We've all made mistakes like those. At least you realized that the result didn't seem right. Welcome to PF, BTW.:biggrin:
 

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