Electric Field Strength Calculation for a Point Charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field strength (E) at a point located 3.0 cm due east from a point charge of +1.0 microcoulomb. The correct formula for electric field strength is derived as E = (k * Q) / r², where k is Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 N m²/C²), Q is the point charge, and r is the distance from the charge. The calculation yields E = 1.0 x 10^7 N/C. Clarifications regarding the displacement vector and the role of the point charge in the equation were also discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric field concepts
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law
  • Basic knowledge of vector mathematics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., microcoulombs to coulombs)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Coulomb's law in detail
  • Learn about electric field lines and their properties
  • Explore the concept of superposition of electric fields
  • Practice problems involving electric field calculations for multiple point charges
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school physics students, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in understanding electric field calculations related to point charges.

Ezhil
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Hi
I was just doing my homework and i am stuck on this question. Can you please help me with this?

a) Caluculate the electric field strength E, at a point located 3.0 cm due east from a point charge q=+1.0 microcoulomb.

I know i have to use the formulas:
E = F/q

And Coulomb's law. But to use Coulomb's law you need to two charges and this question only has one. Please help on this, Thankyou.

Ezhil
 
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If the force on q due to Q is
\vec F = qQ \frac {\vec r}{r^3}
then the electric field due to Q is
\vec E = Q \frac {\vec r}{r^3}
 
Am i right in saying:
E = (k*Qsource) / (r^2)

therefore
E=[(9*10^9)*(1.0*10^-6)] / (0.03)^2
E= 1.0*10^7
 
\vec E = Q \frac {\vec r}{r^3}

What is the vector r equal to and is the Q the point charge 1.0 microcoulomb that is given in the problem?
I'm sorry i don't understand the equation completely, I am still in year 11.
 
\vec r is the displacement vector from charge Q to charge q.
 
Thank you for your help!
 

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