Electric Field with three charges

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field at a specific point due to three charges arranged along a horizontal line. The charges include two positive charges and one negative charge, with specific distances between them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of electric fields due to each charge and the importance of considering their directions. There is a question about whether to add or subtract the electric fields based on the nature of the charges.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the electric fields and are discussing their signs and directions. There is an acknowledgment of the need to consider the contributions from all three charges, but no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of guidance provided. There is an emphasis on understanding the interactions between the charges rather than simply calculating the final answer.

rinarez7
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1. Homework Statement
Consider 3 charges along a horizontal line as shown:
8.72e-6 C (+) ___4.16cm____2.45e-6 C (+)______3.18cm_____-1.46e-6C (-)
The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2
The Coulomb Constant is 8.98755e 9 Nm^2/ C^2
What is the electric field at a point 2.18 cm to the left of the middle charge? Answer in units fo N/C


2. Homework Equations
Q1= 8.72e-6 C , r= .0198m (.0416m-.0218m)
Q2= 2.45e-6 C, r= .0218m

E1= k Q1 / r^2
E2= k Q2/ r^2

3. The Attempt at a Solution
I converted all of my units first to C and meters.
Then I solved for E1 and E2 separately.
Once I had E1 and E2, I added the two together. But I can't seem to get the right answer.
Am I supposed to subtract them instead becasue Q1 and Q2 are both positive and therefore will repel each other?
 
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You have THREE charges causing electric fields, so you need to find E1, E2 and E3.
Add them together, keeping direction in mind!
 
so I calculated E1 = 1.999e8, E2 as 4.633e5, and E3 as -3.657e6
Am I correct to say then that, E1 and E3 are negative (pointing to the left) and E2 is positive?
E1(+)<----X----->E2 (+)-----><------E3 (-)
 
E1 to the right (away from a positive charge), E2 to the left (away from a positive charge), E3 to the right (toward a negative charge).
 
Thank you!
 

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