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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field at a specific point due to four equivalent charges placed at defined coordinates. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and vector fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the electric field by considering the contributions from each charge and simplifying the resultant vector. Participants question the origin of specific terms in the equations, particularly the 'a' in the numerator and the extra power of 1/2 in the denominator.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing feedback on simplifications and clarifications regarding the calculations. There is an active exploration of the mathematical components involved in the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the setup of the problem and the assumptions made regarding the contributions of the charges to the electric field at point B. There may be constraints related to the interpretation of the electric field components.

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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