Electric Field Between +2 and -3 Charges

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric field halfway between a +2 C charge and a -3 C charge, the correct approach involves calculating the contributions from each charge separately. The formula E = kq/d^2 is appropriate, but the direction of the electric field vectors must be accurately represented; the field from the positive charge points away from it, while the field from the negative charge points towards it. The initial calculation yielded an incorrect total due to misinterpretation of vector directions. The correct answer, as provided in the handout, is 4.5 x 10^12 N/C directed to the left. Understanding the direction of electric fields based on charge signs is crucial for accurate results.
rhodium
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hi everybody,

Homework Statement



A +2 C charge is 20cm to the right of a -3 charge. What is the electric field on the line excatly halfway between the two charges?

Homework Equations



E = kq/d^2

The Attempt at a Solution



force of attraction; therefore vector of -3 charge would be to the right and vector of 2 charge would be to the left (negative).

E= k(3)/(0.1^2) + k(-2)/(0.1^2) = 9 x 10^11

The handout answer is 4.5 x 10^12 N/C (left). Am I using the wrong equation?
 
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It's the right equation, but you're using it incorrectly.

When you say "vector of -3 charge would be to the right and vector of 2 charge would be to the left", do you mean that these are the directions of the field vectors from each of these charges? This isn't correct.

How do you determine the direction of the field, given the sign of the charge?
 
thank you so much!:approve:

salam
 

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