HELP columbs law/charges 2 charges on a line, looking for

  • Thread starter Thread starter BATBLady
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charges Line
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the net electric field generated by two point charges using Coulomb's Law. The charges in question are q1 = +7.7 µC located at x1 = +2.9 cm and q2 = -22 µC at x2 = +9.2 cm. The net electric field at x = 0 cm and x = +5.9 cm is determined using the formula E = k*q/r², where k is the Coulomb's constant. The direction of the electric field is dictated by the sign of the charges, with the field pointing away from the positive charge and towards the negative charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric fields and their directionality
  • Knowledge of basic algebra for distance and charge calculations
  • Ability to apply the formula E = k*q/r² for electric field calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice calculating electric fields for multiple charge configurations
  • Explore the concept of superposition in electric fields
  • Learn about the effects of distance on electric field strength
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand electric field calculations involving multiple charges.

BATBLady
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two charges are placed on the x axis. One of the charges (q1 = +7.7 µC) is at x1 = +2.9 cm and the other (q2 = -22 µC) is at x2 = +9.2 cm.
(a) Find the net electric field (magnitude and direction) at x = 0 cm. (Use the sign of your answer to indicate the direction along the x-axis.)
(b) Find the net electric field (magnitude and direction) at x = +5.9 cm. (Use the sign of your answer to indicate the direction along the x-axis.)


Homework Equations



Columbs law, F=K*(|q1|*|q2|)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm fairly lost as to how to start this. I know that to figure out the force of the two charges acting on one another you would use the equation above with r being the distance between the two charges. What I don't know is how to figure out the charge on a spot where there is no charge previously. I think that it would be only the positive charge acting on the spot since (field wise) it is the only one that actually goes anywhere near the point. Or am I totally off? Help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The formula for electric field is
E = k*q/r^2.
The direction of field depends on the sign of the charge. It is away from the positive charge and towards the negative charge.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K