Net Electric Field: Find Magnitude Midway Between 2 Particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net electric field midway between two charged particles: one with a charge of -1.23 x 10-7 C at the origin and another with a charge of +1.23 x 10-7 C located at x = 15.5 cm. The correct approach involves applying the principle of superposition to sum the electric fields generated by each charge. The initial calculations using the formulas E=kQ/r2 and E=2kQ/r2 yielded incorrect results due to a misunderstanding of the superposition principle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with the principle of superposition in electrodynamics
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition in physics
  • Proficiency in using the formula E=kQ/r2 for electric field calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principle of superposition in electric fields
  • Practice problems involving multiple charges and net electric field calculations
  • Learn about vector addition and its application in physics
  • Explore the effects of distance on electric field strength using E=kQ/r2
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and charge interactions.

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Homework Statement


Two particles are fixed to an x axis: particle 1 of charge -1.23 x 10-7 C is at the origin and particle 2 of charge +1.23 x 10-7 C is at x = 15.5 cm. Midway between the particles, what is the magnitude of the net electric field?


Homework Equations


E=kQ/r^2 and/ or E=2kQ/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I used the first equation and I got 3.68e5 N/C then I used the second equation because there are two charges and I got 3.93e5 N/C. Both of these answers were marked wrong and I don't know why. Any help? Thanks.
 
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well your halfway there if you did the math right on both of those. a major concepts of electrodynamics is the rule of superposition, which states that the electric fields at any point is the sum of all the electric fields due to each electric charge effecting your system.
 

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