Electric field strength from two charges

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the electric field strength at point P from two identical point charges, the equations E1 = k x Q1 / r1^2 and E2 = k x Q2 / r2^2 are used for each charge. The values for E1 and E2 are calculated as 9 x 10^6 N/C and 1.563 x 10^6 N/C, respectively. Since the angle at point P is 90 degrees, vector addition can be simplified using the Pythagorean theorem. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding vector addition for combining the electric fields from both charges. The final calculation will yield the resultant electric field strength at point P.
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Homework Statement


Two identical point charges, q1 = +2.5 x 10-6 C and q2 = +2.5 x 10-6 C, are placed as shown in the diagram below. Point P is a distance 0.05 m from q1 and 0.12 m from q2, such that the angle at P is 90 degrees. Calculate the magnitude of the Electric field E at point P.


Homework Equations



E = k x Q / r^2

This plus vector which I suck at.


The Attempt at a Solution


Electric Field Magnitude zz.jpg


So I have created the diagram and I believe I have to use the second formula twice, along with some trigonometry, but I'm not sure.

E1 = k x Q1 / r^2
E1 = k x +2.5 x 10^-6 / 0.05^2
E1 = 9 x 10^6

E2 = k x Q2 / r^2
E2 = k x +2.5 x 10^-6 / 0.12^2
E2 = 1.563 x 10^6

I Can't do vectors at all. Please help.
 
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So now you have two forces, one along the line q1-P and one along the line q2-P. So happens you know the angle between the two. Google vector addition (images) to get an impression of that magic art. Realize that it's really easy when the vectors are at right angles wrt one another. Something Pythagoreran. Bingo.
 
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