Finding the electric field at point - Can someone check my work?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric field at point B (a, a/2) due to four equivalent charges positioned at (0,0), (a,0), (0,a), and (a,a). The user attempts to derive the electric field contributions from the charges, noting that the charges at (a,a) and (a,0) cancel each other out. The calculations for the electric fields from the remaining charges are presented, leading to a total electric field expression. Feedback suggests that while the answer is correct, there is room for simplification, particularly regarding the origin of the 'a' in the numerator. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity in deriving components of electric fields.
emhelp100
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Homework Statement


Four equivalent charges are placed at (0,0), (a,0), (0,a), and (a,a). What is the electric field at point B (a, a/2)?
upload_2018-4-18_22-39-45.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt:
Charges at (a,a) and (a,0) cancel each other out.
E_{(0,a)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}a +\hat{y}\frac{a}{2})}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}

E_{(0,0)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}a -\hat{y}\frac{a}{2})}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}

\sum E = E_{(0,a)}+E_{(0,0)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}2a)}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}
E_B = \frac{Q(\hat{x}2a)}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}
Is my answer correct?
 

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emhelp100 said:
Is my answer correct?
Yes, but you could simplify it some.
 
Where did the a in the numerator come from?
 
Dr Dr news said:
Where did the a in the numerator come from?
Same place the extra power of 1/2 came from in the denominator: taking the component in the x direction.
 
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