Finding Charge at a Specific Point Using Coulomb's Law

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field at a specific point using Coulomb's Law, where a point charge of √3Q is located at (3a, a, 2a) and the target point is (2a, 2a, 3a). The user initially confuses the terms "charge" and "electric field," seeking clarification on the mathematical simplification of the electric field equation. It is noted that the correct approach involves finding the difference vector and its magnitude, which leads to the electric field expression. The confusion regarding Cartesian coordinates is acknowledged, and the user confirms that the issue was a mix-up with similar problems. Ultimately, the user resolves their misunderstanding with assistance from the forum.
Roodles01
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I am working on the following.
A point charge of √3Q is at point (3a, a, 2a)
Find charge at (2a, 2a, 3a)

I'm using Coulomb's Law
E(r) = q / 4∏ε0 (r-r0)3 (lr-r0l
& can get through most of it, but looking at my book I can't see why the last step occurs. See attachment.
I can find r-ro & its magnitude lr-r0l as well, so can sub into the equation.

r = (2a, 2a, 3a)
r0 = (2a, 2a, 3a)
r-r0 = (-a, a, a)
lr-r0l = √ -1)2 +1)2 +1)2 = √3

E(r) = √3q / 4∏ε0 (3a)3 (-a, a, a)
Then the answer is
E(r) = q / 4∏ε0 (√3)2 (-?a, ?a, ?a) How do you change this, mathematically, from the line above?

Can't see the wood for trees again, I expect, but I need a bit of a memory jog, please.
 

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Hmm :confused:

Roodles01 said:
I am working on the following.
A point charge of √3Q is at point (3a, a, 2a)
Find charge at (2a, 2a, 3a)

There is no such thing as charge at (2a, 2a, 3a) due to (3a, a, 2a) From the question in the attachment, you're probably trying to find out the electric field at that point.

r = (2a, 2a, 3a)
r0 = (2a, 2a, 3a)
r-r0 = (-a, a, a)

These don't tally with the given values in the link, so probably this is a different question?

E(r) = √3q / 4∏ε0 (3a)3 (-a, a, a)
Then the answer is
E(r) = q / 4∏ε0 (√3)2 (-?a, ?a, ?a) How do you change this, mathematically, from the line above?

Just mathematical simplification. As for the attachment case, they simply divided it by 9 that was outside the (bracket).
 
Yes, you're competely right, it was the field strength I meant. Again, yes, the cartesian coords. were mixed from another question as I'm going through similar examples & inserted them by mistake.
The attachment was as a solved example, & the solution you gave was for an "I've stopped thinking" moment.
All fine now. Thank you.
 
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