Electric fields caused by multiple charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the position on the x-axis where the electric field strength is zero, given a particle with a specific charge and a uniform electric field. The subject area includes electric fields and their interactions with point charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to consider both the electric field produced by the charge and the uniform electric field. There are attempts to set up equations to find the position where the total electric field is zero, with some questioning the validity of negative values in their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify their understanding of how to combine the electric fields. Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of equations, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of negative distances and the nature of electric fields, indicating potential confusion about the physical setup and mathematical representation of the problem.

mcassi17
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A particle with charge +7.88 μC is placed at the fixed position x = 3.00 m in an electric field of uniform strength 300 N/C, directed in the positive x direction. Find the position on the x-axis where the electric field strength of the resulting configuration is zero.


the equation i have is E = kq/r^2

I have no idea where to start
 
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There are two electric fields in this problem: the one produced by the charge (that's what your equation is for), and the uniform one. To get the total electric field, you just add the two up (remember that they're vectors). So can you write an equation that you can solve to find the position where the total electric field is zero?
 
So i would set it up to be -300 but that can't be because you can't have a negative square root.
 
mcassi17 said:
So i would set it up to be -300 but that can't be because you can't have a negative square root.
How did you get -300?
Net electric field will be zero on the negative x-axis. If d is the distance along the negative x-axis, where electric field is zero, then E = kq/d^2. Find the magnitude of d. Subtract 3 m to find the position on negative x-axis where E is zero.
 

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