Electric Field Direction: How to Determine Left or Right Orientation

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SUMMARY

The direction of an electric field is determined by the convention used, where right is considered positive and left is negative. The electric field (E field) points in the direction that a positive charge will be accelerated, as described by the formula F=QE. In a scenario with a positive charge (+Q) on the left and a negative charge (-Q) on the right, a test charge (+q) placed between them will be pushed to the right, indicating that the electric field is also directed to the right.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric charge conventions (positive and negative)
  • Familiarity with the formula F=QE (Force equals charge times electric field)
  • Basic knowledge of electric field directionality
  • Concept of test charges in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric field lines and their representation
  • Learn about the superposition principle in electric fields
  • Explore the effects of multiple charges on electric field direction
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in understanding electric field dynamics and charge interactions.

PetetheGreek
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When finding the magnitude and direction of an electric field, how do you know if the direction is left or right?
 
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It depends on the convention you're using. If you take right as positive and left as negative, then that is how you know if it is left or right.
 
PetetheGreek said:
When finding the magnitude and direction of an electric field, how do you know if the direction is left or right?

The E field points in the direction that a positive charge will be accelerated in via F=QE.

Since "opposites attract" and "likes repel", if you have a +Q on the left and a -Q on the right, with some test charge +q between them, which way will the test charge +q be pushed? Which direction is the Electric field pointing in this case?
 
berkeman said:
The E field points in the direction that a positive charge will be accelerated in via F=QE.

Since "opposites attract" and "likes repel", if you have a +Q on the left and a -Q on the right, with some test charge +q between them, which way will the test charge +q be pushed? Which direction is the Electric field pointing in this case?

test charge will be pushed right, electric field is pointing to the right

right...?
 
Yep!
 

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