Electric Field Calculations for Stationary Charges and a Dipole at Point P(0,4m)

[BHH]

Homework Statement

The picture below shows two stationary charges q1= +2mC and q2= -15 mC.
and I need to find the electric field vector at field point P(0,4m). E= [px, py] .

Also
A little dipole is positions in P(0,4m) and is given with p= [px,py]=[2*10^-8 ,0] Cm.

Find the torque that acts on the dipole because of the electric field and its potential energy

Homework Equations

E=k*q/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I have found out that E1=4.5*10[6][/SUP] and E2= 1.7*10^6. I am not sure if the electric field E1 is negative or positive ? I think its negative because the vector goes downwards. And when I find the angle for E2 do I use arctan(8/2)?

 

[TSny]

WELCOME TO PF.

I have found out that E1=4.5*10[6][/SUP] and E2= 1.7*10^6.

OK. But I would keep an extra significant figure while doing the calculations. Then round off to the appropriate number of significant figures at the end. Also, don't forget the units.

I am not sure if the electric field E1 is negative or positive ? I think its negative because the vector goes downwards.

Electric field is a vector quantity. It is not good language to say that a vector is negative. However, the components of a vector can be negative or positive. So, if the field points downward (along the negative y axis) then you would say that the y component of the electric field is negative.

And when I find the angle for E2 do I use arctan(8/2)?

This does not look right. Are you trying to find the angle that E₂ makes to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction? If you are constructing a right triangle to help find the angle, make sure you have the dimensions of the sides of the triangle correct.