- #1
cros0
- 4
- 1
Hello. The first image is the question, the second image is from the solutions manual. I don't understand why these answers are negative. Anyone have a clue?
Electric Field question - Why is this answer negative
- Thread starter cros0
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies why the electric field (E-field) values in a specific problem are negative. Electric fields originate from positive charges and terminate at negative charges, leading to an inward direction at negative charges and an outward direction at positive charges. When calculating the resultant E-field at a point between these charges, both components direct towards the left, aligning with the negative direction on the horizontal axis. This understanding resolves the confusion regarding the sign of the answers in the solutions manual.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of electric fields and their directionality
- Familiarity with Coulomb's Law
- Basic knowledge of charge interactions (positive and negative)
- Ability to interpret vector components in physics
- Study the principles of electric field directionality in electrostatics
- Learn about vector addition of electric fields
- Explore Coulomb's Law and its applications in electric field calculations
- Investigate the concept of superposition in electric fields
Students studying physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric field interactions and vector analysis.
Hello. The first image is the question, the second image is from the solutions manual. I don't understand why these answers are negative. Anyone have a clue?
- #2
berkeman
Admin
- 69,411
- 24,808
Sure. (and Welcome to the PF)cros0 said:
Electric field points from positive charges to negative charges. So the E-field at the first negative charge is pointing inward to that negative charge in all directions. The E-field at the positive charge is pointing away from it in all directions. They ask for the sum of the two E-fields at a point between them, so both components point to the left, which is the negative direction on the horizontal axis.
Does that help?
- #3
cros0
- 4
- 1
Seems reasonable enough, and I feel much better now. Thanks!
Similar threads
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 22 ·
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 1 ·