Finding the angle of an electric field with respect to an axis

AI Thread Summary
The electric potential is given by V = (2.7 V/m²)x² - (4.4 V/m²)y², leading to electric field components Ex = 18.36 V/m and Ey = -14.08 V/m at the point (3.4 m, 1.6 m). The magnitude of the electric field is calculated as 23.137 V/m. The user struggles to determine the angle the field makes with the positive x-axis, initially using arctan(Ex/Ey) but facing issues with the result. There is confusion about the sign of Ey, prompting verification of calculations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying derivatives and understanding the signs in electric field calculations.
CentreShifter
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Homework Statement



The electric potential at points in an xy plane is given by V = (2.7 V/m2)x2 -(4.4 V/m2)y2. What are (a) the magnitude of the electric field at the point (3.4 m, 1.6 m) and (b) the angle that the field there makes with the positive x direction.

Homework Equations



I have already taken the partial derivatives of V with respect to x and y to get the components to the field and then the magnitude. Ex=18.36 V/m and Ey=-14.08 V/m

The Attempt at a Solution



The magnitude of the field at the given point is 23.137 V/m. I absolutely cannot for the life of me figure out how to calculate that angle, and I know it's in front of my face. I've tried arctan, but it just doesn't work.
 
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Surely it has to be arctan(Ex/Ey) = -37.5 degrees.
 
That's what I thought! Apparently it's not, hence my frustration.
 
CentreShifter said:
Ex=18.36 V/m and Ey=-14.08 V/m

Erm, are you sure about Ey?
 
Nabeshin said:
Erm, are you sure about Ey?

If I'm wrong it's the sign. I know this because I have verified the magnitude is correct.
 
CentreShifter said:
If I'm wrong it's the sign. I know this because I have verified the magnitude is correct.

Where did the 14.08 come from?
 
Nabeshin said:
Where did the 14.08 come from?

I used the definition of the derivative: \frac{f(a,b+h)-f(a,b)}{h}. h was .001.
 
Sorry my mistake. I agree with Delphi51 ^^
 
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