Electric Field of +4.0*10^-9 C in 1600 N/C Field

In summary, a constant electric field of 1600N/C exists in a region of space, pointing due north. When a +4.0 * 10^-9 C point charge is placed in this field, the net electric field at a spot 13 cm due east of the charge can be calculated by adding the background E-field to the radial E-field from the point charge. The origin of the coordinate system can be chosen at the positive charge to simplify the problem.
  • #1
Expresso
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A constant electric field exists in a region of Space. The field has a magnitude of 1600N/C and points due north. A point charge of +4.0 * 10^-9 C is then placed in this electric field. What is the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a spot 13 cm due east of the charge?

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3221/46204214bm6.png [Broken]

My question is, how do we know that the origin starts off positive? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Expresso said:
A constant electric field exists in a region of Space. The field has a magnitude of 1600N/C and points due north. A point charge of +4.0 * 10^-9 C is then placed in this electric field. What is the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a spot 13 cm due east of the charge?

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3221/46204214bm6.png [Broken]

My question is, how do we know that the origin starts off positive? Thanks.

Not sure wht you mean by your question. All you have to do is form the vector sum of the constant background E-field, plus the radial E-field from the point charge, and sum it at the point shown.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
Do we assume the origin has a positive charge? Or is there something in the problem that tells us that? thanks.
 
  • #4
The "origin" can be anywhere. The background E-field is straight up (north), and they ask for the vector sum 13cm to the right of the charge (east). They are making the problem easy for you at first. Don't say "the origin has a positive charge", say "it makes the problem easiest if I choose the origin of my coordinate system right at the positive charge in this problem".
 

1. What is the unit of the electric field in this scenario?

The unit of electric field is typically measured in Newtons per Coulomb (N/C).

2. How is the magnitude of the electric field calculated?

The magnitude of the electric field can be calculated by dividing the force (in newtons) by the charge (in coulombs).

3. What does a +4.0*10^-9 C charge mean in this context?

A +4.0*10^-9 C charge means that there is a positive charge of 4.0 x 10^-9 coulombs present in the electric field.

4. What is the significance of a 1600 N/C electric field?

A 1600 N/C electric field indicates a very strong electric field, which can have a significant impact on charged particles within it.

5. How does the direction of the electric field affect charged particles?

The direction of the electric field determines the direction in which a charged particle will experience a force. A positively charged particle will experience a force in the direction of the electric field, while a negatively charged particle will experience a force in the opposite direction.

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