Find mag. of net electric field at the center

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SUMMARY

The net electric field at the center of a square with point charges at each corner can be calculated using the formula E=(4kq√2)/a². This scenario involves two positive charges and two negative charges placed at the corners of the square. The user initially calculated the electric field as E=(kq√2)/2a², which is incorrect. The correct approach requires focusing on the y-component of the electric field from each charge.

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  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's Law (F=Kq²/r²)
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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mdawg467
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Homework Statement


A point charge is placed at each corner of a square with side length a . The charges all have the same magnitude . Two of the charges are positive and two are negative, as shown in the following figure.

my figure: (image each charge represents a corner of the square)
(+q1)(+q2)
(-q3)(-q4)


What is the magnitude of the net electric field at the center of the square due to the four charges in terms of q and a ?
Express your answer in terms of the variables q, a, and appropriate constants.

Homework Equations


E=F/q
F=Kq2/r2


The Attempt at a Solution



I uploaded my work as an attachment..I'm getting the wrong answer. The correct answer is E=(4kq√2)/a2, whereas I kept getting E=(kq√2)/2a2

any ideas? thanks
 

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mdawg467 said:

Homework Statement


A point charge is placed at each corner of a square with side length a . The charges all have the same magnitude . Two of the charges are positive and two are negative, as shown in the following figure.

my figure: (image each charge represents a corner of the square)
(+q1)(+q2)
(-q3)(-q4)


What is the magnitude of the net electric field at the center of the square due to the four charges in terms of q and a ?
Express your answer in terms of the variables q, a, and appropriate constants.

Homework Equations


E=F/q
F=Kq2/r2


The Attempt at a Solution



I uploaded my work as an attachment..I'm getting the wrong answer. The correct answer is E=(4kq√2)/a2, whereas I kept getting E=(kq√2)/2a2

any ideas? thanks
You need to keep only the y -component of the electric field due to each charge.
 

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