Calculating Electric Field of Two Point Charges

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the electric field at a specific point due to two point charges. The charges are located at specific coordinates and their magnitudes are given. The attempt at a solution involves finding the distance between the point and the charges, using the equation for electric field, and adding the two fields as vectors. However, there are errors in the calculation and the direction of the field is not mentioned.
  • #1
Zvaigzdute
10
0

Homework Statement



A point charge of -7e-6 C is located at x = 3 m, y = -2 m. A second point charge of 12e-6 C is located at x = 1 m, y = 3 m.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Dq1 = sqrt(20)
Dq2 = sqrt (13)

E1 + E2= k(-7e-6)/20 + k(-7e-6)/20 = 11444.96 N/C

What am I doing wrong?

And how to find the direction ?

 
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  • #2
Hi *! :smile:

(have a square-root: √ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
Zvaigzdute said:
A point charge of -7e-6 C is located at x = 3 m, y = -2 m. A second point charge of 12e-6 C is located at x = 1 m, y = 3 m.
E1 + E2= k(-7e-6)/20 + k(-7e-6)/20 = 11444.96 N/C

(I assume you're trying to find the field at (-1,0)?)

i] One of those should be +12. :rolleyes:

ii] You must add these as vectors, so use x and y components. :wink:
 
  • #3
What is the question?
 

What is the formula for calculating the electric field of two point charges?

The formula for calculating the electric field of two point charges is E = kq/r^2, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q is the magnitude of the point charges, and r is the distance between the two charges.

How do you determine the direction of the electric field for two point charges?

The direction of the electric field for two point charges can be determined using the principle of superposition. The electric field vectors for each individual point charge can be added together to determine the overall direction of the electric field.

What happens to the electric field if the distance between two point charges is increased?

As the distance between two point charges increases, the electric field decreases. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two charges.

Can the electric field of two point charges be negative?

Yes, the electric field of two point charges can be negative. This occurs when the two point charges have opposite signs and the electric field vectors point in opposite directions.

Can the electric field of two point charges cancel out?

Yes, the electric field of two point charges can cancel out. This occurs when the two point charges have equal magnitudes and opposite signs, resulting in an electric field of zero.

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