Electric Field Direction: How to Determine Left or Right Orientation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the direction of an electric field, specifically whether it is oriented left or right. It includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding electric field direction in relation to charge interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the direction of the electric field depends on the convention used, where right is considered positive and left negative.
  • One participant explains that the electric field points in the direction a positive charge will be accelerated, referencing the equation F=QE.
  • Another participant presents a scenario with a positive charge on the left and a negative charge on the right, questioning the direction in which a test charge would be pushed and thus the direction of the electric field.
  • There is a reiteration that the test charge would be pushed to the right, indicating that the electric field is also pointing to the right.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express some agreement on the direction of the electric field in the specific scenario presented, but there is no consensus on the broader conventions for determining left or right orientation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of different conventions for defining electric field direction, nor does it clarify the assumptions underlying the scenarios presented.

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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