How Do You Calculate Electric Field and Potential Between Two Charges?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating electric fields and potentials between two point charges, as well as understanding electric potential differences in a uniform electric field. The subject area includes electrostatics and electric potential theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the electric field and potential at a point between two charges, expressing uncertainty about the formulas and methods needed for parts b and c. They also pose a question regarding the potential at a specific distance in a uniform electric field.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the calculations, suggesting adjustments to the original poster's approach, particularly regarding the distance used in the electric field calculation. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between work, potential, and electric fields, with no explicit consensus reached on the solutions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of familiarity with the necessary formulas and expresses a need for clues or guidance on how to proceed with the calculations. There is also mention of homework constraints, as the poster is seeking help without revealing complete solutions.

aimslin22
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A Charge of 3.2x10-6 sits .025 m from a charge of -1.6x-6

a. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the E-filed at a point directly between the 2 charges

b. calculate the electric potential (relative to V = 0 at infinity) at the point directly between the two charges

c. Calculate the work needed to bring a 1x10-6 charge from infinity to the point between the two charges

19. A 2000 V/m electric field is directed along the +x-axis. If the potential at x = 10 m is 800 V, what is the potential at x = 6m?
A. 8800V
B. 2000V
C. 7200V
D. 1600V

Homework Equations


F = kqQ/r2
V= w/q

The Attempt at a Solution



a. F=9x10^9*-1.6x10^-6/.025^2
=-73.728 N

b. I don't know, v=w/q uses only one charge, and I don't know any other formulas. Some sort of clue, a formula, would be great

c. I think if I knew how to do part b I could do part c

19. I know that as you get closer, the potential increase, so the answer can't be B or D.
However, I don't know any formula that could tell me how to find the answer.

Help please?
 
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For (a), you have the correct formula but the distance should be half of .025 since the point you are calculating is midway between the two charges. Also, you must use the formula twice to calculate the E due to each of the two charges. Add them together if they are in the same direction.
 
Thank you, for part c would it be v=w/q with my anwser from part b?

Also do you know to do 19?

Thank very much
 
Yes on part c.
For 19, you must use E = V/d where the V should really be delta V, the potential difference between the two points separated by distance d.
 

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