How to Determine the Location of a Charge from Electric Field Measurements?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the location of a point charge based on electric field measurements at two specific points in a Cartesian coordinate system. The electric fields at these points are given, and the relationship between the fields and the charge's location is explored.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the relationship between electric field strength and distance to the charge, with some attempting to set up equations based on the given electric field values. There is mention of a quadratic equation arising from one participant's approach, while others express confusion about the results and the interpretation of variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with multiple participants experiencing similar difficulties in applying the Coulomb's law relationship. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the variable representing distance along the x-axis, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly defining the variables involved, particularly the distance from the charge to the measurement points. There is an acknowledgment that the charge's location is not straightforwardly determined from the information given.

Brit412
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Homework Statement


The electric field at the point x=5.0cm and y=0 points in the positive x direction with a magnitude of 10.0N/C. At the point x=10.0cm and y=0, the electric field points in the positive x direction with a magnitude of 16.0 N/C. Assume this electric field is produced by a single point charge.
Find the charge's location

Homework Equations


E= kq/r^2



The Attempt at a Solution


So my teacher substituted (x-5) for r^2 and got a quadratic equation. I solved for the quadratic but I'm not getting the right answer.
 
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Using the Coulomb's e field relationship you should be able to directly relate the 2 field values such that

16*X2 = 10*(X+5)2

The product of the distance squared times the field = the same thing.

The one that is further away will have a smaller |E|.
 
I am having the same problem. Yet out of Coulomb's e Field relationship I get the related field values however when I plus in the appropriate X values they are not equal. I agree that one is further away however that does not determine the charges location.

Thanks much!
 
Madison029 said:
I am having the same problem. Yet out of Coulomb's e Field relationship I get the related field values however when I plus in the appropriate X values they are not equal. I agree that one is further away however that does not determine the charges location.

Thanks much!

Welcome to PF.

Be careful in what X represents. It is the distance along the X axis from 10 cm. So the location of the charge if that's what you are looking for is at 10 + X cm.
 

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