Is There an Electric Field at the Midpoint Between Two Protons?

AI Thread Summary
At the midpoint between two protons, the electric field is zero because the fields from each proton cancel each other out in the x-direction, with no contribution in the y-direction. The discussion also clarifies that when considering a proton and an electron, there is no point between them where the electric field is zero due to the dipole formation. The electric field equation can be used, but it's crucial to account for the vector nature of the electric fields from both charges. The confusion arose from calculating the field due to only one proton, neglecting the other. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurately solving electric field problems.
milkyway11
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What is the electric field halfway in between two protons separated by a distance of 1mm?

When I first did this problem I simply used the electric field equation to solve which is E=kq/r2. However, as I came across another similar problem that states: " a proton and an electron are separated by 1micrometer. is there a point directly between them at which the electric field is zero." I realized that maybe I've been doing this kinda of problem wrong.

My answer now to the first question is there is no electric field since the electric field in x-direction would cancel out and there is no y-direction electric field. And the second problem is that there is no point between the two charges that would have a zero field, because it forms a dipole.

Can someone confirm if my thinking is correct? Also, if my new answers are right, please explain to me why we can't just use the electric field equation even though it still gives u a number?

Thank you!
 
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milkyway11 said:
Can someone confirm if my thinking is correct? Also, if my new answers are right, please explain to me why we can't just use the electric field equation even though it still gives u a number?

Thank you!

Yes, your thinking is correct in both cases. Yes, you CAN just use the equation for the electric field to solve these problems.

Do you mean that you get a non-zero number for the case with two protons? If so, you shouldn't. Hint: remember that electric field is a vector, and that you have to add up the electric fields from each proton in order to get the total field.
 
Thank you for your fast reply. I think I get why I got a non zero in the first place, because I only calculated the electric field of one proton and completely ignored the other one!

cepheid said:
Yes, your thinking is correct in both cases. Yes, you CAN just use the equation for the electric field to solve these problems.

Do you mean that you get a non-zero number for the case with two protons? If so, you shouldn't. Hint: remember that electric field is a vector, and that you have to add up the electric fields from each proton in order to get the total field.
 
milkyway11 said:
Thank you for your fast reply. I think I get why I got a non zero in the first place, because I only calculated the electric field of one proton and completely ignored the other one!

Yep, that would do it! Glad to be of help. :smile:
 

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