Finding the electric field at point P between two charges

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric field at point P between charges q1 = -3C and q2 = +4C, the direction of the electric field is confirmed to point left of P. The total electric field is calculated using the formula Etotal = E1 + E2, resulting in Etotal = 3.24E11/x^2, where x is the distance from point P to the charges. The user is uncertain about the distance between the charges and seeks clarification on whether a point exists where the electric field is zero. It is noted that if the distance is not provided, it can be assumed to be 1 meter, and the final answer will be expressed as a function of the charges' separation distance. The user has also reached out to their professor for confirmation on this approach.
LuckyShamrock
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the electric field (both magnitude and direction) at point P located between the charges q1 = -3C and q2 = +4C. Point P is 1/3 of the charges' separation distance from q1 and 2/3 of the charges' separation distance from q2.

Homework Equations


E = kq/d^2
Etotal = E1 + E2

The Attempt at a Solution


I am able to infer that the direction of the electric field points to the left of P. I also know that, due to the above equations, Etotal = (9E9 * 3)/(2/3x)^2 + (9E9 * 4)/(2/3x)^2 therefore Etotal = 3.24E11/x^2

However, I am having trouble finding the distance between the charges q1 and q2. Is there a point between q1 and q2 where the electric field is zero that I can set kq1/d^2 equal to kq2/d^2? I would appreciate any help finding the distance between the two given point charges.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The charge separation must be given, possibility is that you missed this information somehow or else the answer is to be expressed as a function of charges distance.
 
If it isn't given, I would assume that it is 1 meter.
 
Thank you for the help. I emailed my professor, and he confirmed that the answer will be expressed as a function of the charges' separation distance.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

Similar threads

Back
Top