Find the Electric field strength at a point between two charges

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field strength at a point between two charges, specifically parts C and D of a homework assignment. The user initially provided incorrect answers due to unit conversion errors, particularly with millimeters and nanoCoulombs. After clarification, it was confirmed that the permittivity constant should be adjusted from 8.85x10^-12 F/m to 8.85x10^-9 F/mm. This adjustment resolved the issues, allowing for the correct application of the formulas. Proper unit management is crucial for accurate calculations in physics problems.
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried parts C and D several times, and the homework program is telling me that it's still not correct. For C, I keep getting:

7.7x10^8 N/C

for D I keep getting:

7.1x10^-12 N/C

In order to find these, I know you just plug in the known values into the equation from part A. But each time I plug these in, I get an incorrect answer. Please help. Thanks in advance!
 

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rocapp said:

Homework Statement


See images


Homework Equations



See images

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried parts C and D several times, and the homework program is telling me that it's still not correct. For C, I keep getting:

7.7x10^8 N/C

for D I keep getting:

7.1x10^-12 N/C

In order to find these, I know you just plug in the known values into the equation from part A. But each time I plug these in, I get an incorrect answer. Please help. Thanks in advance!
attachment.php?attachmentid=57199&d=1364444477.png


attachment.php?attachmentid=57200&d=1364444477.png


For parts C & D please show your work, i.e. show exactly what numbers you are putting into your formula.

You are using millimeters and nanoCoulombs, aren't you ?
 
Oh! Units were the problem. Does this change the value of the permittivity constant from 8.85x10^-12 F/m to 8.85x10^-9 F/mm?
 
That is correct. I fixed the problems. Thanks!
 
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