Magnitude of the electric field

[CaseyH]

Homework Statement

Given the distance between 7V equipotential and the 5V at point B is .9cm and the distance between the 3V equipotential and the 5V at point B is 1.0cm, the magnitude of the electric field at point B is _____ V/cm (carry to one decimal)

Homework Equations

E = |delta V| / delta X

The Attempt at a Solution

7V - 5V / .9cm = 2.22 V/cm
5V - 3V / 1cm = 2 V/cm
2.22 V/cm + 2 V/cm = 4.22 V/cm


(7V - 5V) * .9cm = 1.8 V/cm
(5V - 3V) * 1cm = 2 V/cm
1.8 V/cm + 2 V/cm = 3.8 V/cm


Thanks in advanced!

 

[anathema]

Thank you for your post. Based on the given information, the magnitude of the electric field at point B can be calculated using the equation E = |delta V| / delta X. Using the first equation, we can calculate the electric field from the 7V equipotential to the 5V at point B as 2.22 V/cm. Similarly, using the second equation, we can calculate the electric field from the 3V equipotential to the 5V at point B as 2 V/cm. Adding these two values together, we get a total electric field of 4.22 V/cm at point B.

Alternatively, we can also calculate the electric field by multiplying the potential difference (delta V) by the distance (delta X). Using this method, we get a value of 1.8 V/cm for the electric field from the 7V equipotential to the 5V at point B and a value of 2 V/cm for the electric field from the 3V equipotential to the 5V at point B. Adding these two values, we get a total electric field of 3.8 V/cm at point B.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

[kerimek]

I would like to point out that the magnitude of the electric field is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In this problem, we are given two equipotential points (7V and 3V) and asked to find the magnitude of the electric field at a third point (5V). Without knowing the direction of the electric field, we cannot accurately determine its magnitude.

However, assuming that the electric field is directed from the higher potential (7V) to the lower potential (5V), we can use the equation E = |delta V| / delta X to calculate the magnitude of the electric field at point B. Using the given values, we get:

E = (7V - 5V) / (.9cm - 1cm) = 2 V/cm

Therefore, the magnitude of the electric field at point B is 2 V/cm. It is important to note that this is only an approximation and the actual magnitude may differ depending on the direction of the electric field.