Electric Fields and charges of equal magnitude

In summary, the magnitude of the charges can be found by setting the electric field equation E=k(q)/r^2 equal to the given magnitude and distance, and solving for q. However, the given calculation is incorrect and further steps need to be taken to find the correct magnitude of the charges.
  • #1
mli273
13
0
1. Two point charges of equal magnitude are 8.4 cm apart. At the midpoint of the line connecting them, their combined electric field has a magnitude of 45 N/C.

Find the magnitude of the charges.



2. E=k(q)/r^2



3. I've tried 45= 8.99x10^9(q)/(.084)^2 and got q to equal 35 pC, but that isn't correct :(
 
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  • #2
Hi mli273,

mli273 said:
1. Two point charges of equal magnitude are 8.4 cm apart. At the midpoint of the line connecting them, their combined electric field has a magnitude of 45 N/C.

Find the magnitude of the charges.



2. E=k(q)/r^2



3. I've tried 45= 8.99x10^9(q)/(.084)^2 and got q to equal 35 pC, but that isn't correct :(


The quantity 8.99x10^9(q)/(.084)^2 gives the magnitude of the electric field from one charge q at a distance 8.4 cm away from that charge. Do you see why that is wrong for this problem, and what to do now?
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field surrounding an electrically charged particle or group of particles. It exerts a force on other charged particles within the field, causing them to either attract or repel.

2. How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created by a charged particle or group of particles. Positive charges create an outward electric field, while negative charges create an inward electric field.

3. What is the relationship between electric fields and charges of equal magnitude?

The strength of the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge creating it. This means that charges of equal magnitude will create electric fields of equal strength.

4. How do electric fields and charges of equal magnitude interact with each other?

Electric fields and charges of equal magnitude will interact with each other through the force of attraction or repulsion. Positive charges will be attracted to negative charges, while like charges will repel each other.

5. Can electric fields and charges of equal magnitude cancel each other out?

Yes, electric fields and charges of equal magnitude can cancel each other out. This happens when positive and negative charges of equal magnitude are placed close enough to each other so that their electric fields cancel out, resulting in a net electric field of zero.

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