Electric Field Halfway Between Two Charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field at the halfway point between two charges, one negative and one positive, positioned at specific coordinates. The participants are exploring the implications of their calculations and the assumptions made regarding distances and electric field contributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the electric field by considering the contributions from both charges and questioning the distances used in their calculations. There is a focus on whether to add the electric fields due to the nature of the charges.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on their calculations and the rationale behind their approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to show calculations for better assistance, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the problem more deeply.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the specific values of the charges and their positions, as well as the constant used in the electric field equation. There is an indication of confusion regarding the distance used in calculations, which may affect the results.

Xet
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Homework Statement


q1 (-6.5E-7 C) @ 6 cm to the right of origin (X,Y coordinate is 6,0)
q2 (6.5E-7 C) @ 21 cm to the left of origin (X,Y coordinate is -21,0)

At the half-way point of these two charges, what is the E field value...?

Homework Equations


sum of electric fields
electric field at point is equal to constant times the charge, all divided by radius squared
constant is 8.99E9 Nmm/(CC)

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the two E's from the point to the half-way mark...I'm suppose to add the two E's because it's going from negative to positive...right? Well...I got it wrong...
 
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Xet said:

Homework Statement


q1 (-6.5E-7 C) @ 6 cm to the right of origin (X,Y coordinate is 6,0)
q2 (6.5E-7 C) @ 21 cm to the left of origin (X,Y coordinate is -21,0)

At the half-way point of these two charges, what is the E field value...?

Homework Equations


sum of electric fields
electric field at point is equal to constant times the charge, all divided by radius squared
constant is 8.99E9 Nmm/(CC)


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the two E's from the point to the half-way mark...I'm suppose to add the two E's because it's going from negative to positive...right? Well...I got it wrong...


What did you use for the distance when you calculated the E field?
 
kdv said:
What did you use for the distance when you calculated the E field?

Rather dumb question to ask...but I used .135 m as R.
 
Xet said:
Rather dumb question to ask...but I used .135 m as R.

It is not a dumb question at all. You didn't show your work. How can we tell you what you did wrong if you don't show any calculations?
 
Xet said:
Rather dumb question to ask...but I used .135 m as R.

well, if it's a dumb question to ask I won't ask any question anymore.

Best luck
 

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