Electric field produced by 2 point charges

[rowkem]

Homework Statement

A small object A, with a charge of -2.78x10^-10 C, creates an electric field. At a point P located 0.250 m directly north of A, the field has a value of 40.0 N/C directed to the south. If a second object B with the same charge as A is placed at 0.250 m south of A (so that objects A and B and point P follow a straight line), what is the magnitude of the total electric field produced by the two objects at P?

So basically:

B<----0.250m----A<----0.250m---->P

Not N-S but same idea.

Homework Equations

E=k(q/r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, I don't know if electric fields add like vectors. I worked out the electric field produced by B, at point P, is about 10 N/C south. Given its only asking for magnitude, would it be correct to add the two fields together to get the net field at point P to be 50 N/C?

 

[rowkem]

Took a stab at it. I was correct. Thanks regardless.

 

[nlightner]

I can confirm that electric fields do indeed add like vectors. In this case, since the two charges are located on opposite sides of point P, their electric fields will add together to produce a net electric field at P. Therefore, your calculation of 50 N/C for the magnitude of the total electric field at P is correct.

In general, the net electric field at a point due to multiple point charges can be calculated by adding the individual electric fields at that point, taking into account their direction and magnitude. This concept is known as the principle of superposition and is a fundamental principle in electrostatics. Keep in mind that the direction of the net electric field will depend on the relative positions and charges of the individual charges.