Horizontal and vertical component for electric field

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the cancellation of vertical and horizontal components of the electric field in a specific charge arrangement, as referenced in a video. Participants are exploring the implications of symmetry in relation to these components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning why the vertical and horizontal components cancel out in certain configurations and discussing the role of symmetry in these cancellations. There is also exploration of how changing the arc size affects the presence of components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights about symmetry and its effects on electric field components. Some participants are seeking clarification on the relationship between arc size and symmetry, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the definitions of symmetry and how it relates to the components of the electric field, particularly in different arc configurations.

ToonBlue
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




At the video length 1:25 , why does the vertical component cancel out ?



At the video length 3:55 , why does the horizontal component cancel out?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't seem to understand this part very well for the vertical and horizontal component.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Symmetry. In the first case, you have a similar charge arrangement above and below the center, so their vertical effects cancel.
 
Does it mean that if the arc is 1/4 and not 1/2 , it will have both x and y component ? since there is no symmetry ? correct me if I am wrong
 
ToonBlue said:
Does it mean that if the arc is 1/4 and not 1/2 , it will have both x and y component ? since there is no symmetry ? correct me if I am wrong
I don't know what you mean. It's not the size of the arc, it's the symmetry.
 
upload_2015-9-6_23-49-22.png


What I mean is something like this? In this case , it will have both x and y component since there is no symmetry. Correct or ? am i wrong?
 
ToonBlue said:
What I mean is something like this? In this case , it will have both x and y component since there is no symmetry.
The symmetry will be about a line from the point O to the center of the arc. Since that's not along the x or y axis, there will be an x and y component.
 
I see thank you.
 

Similar threads

Electric field on the axis of a ring-shaped charged conductor
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Prove that the field due to a circular arc is same as its bounded tangent at the centre of curvature
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
1K
Find the magnitude of the electric field at point P
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electric field due to n charges
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Force pulling on a string at an angle with a block at the other end
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why Is My Velocity Calculated Differently than the Solutions?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
4K
Motion of a charged particle in an uniform electric field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why is vertical displacement second order in horizontal displacement for coupled oscillator?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
980
How to calculate vertical electron deflection between two charged plates?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Find the Y component of Electric field at a point
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K