Question about net electric field between two charges

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the direction of the net electric field at the midpoint between two charges, +Q and -Q, positioned directly opposite each other. The context is rooted in electrostatics and electric field concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the directions of the electric fields produced by each charge at the midpoint and question whether these fields can cancel each other out. There is an emphasis on visualizing the electric field lines rather than focusing solely on numerical values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants exploring the implications of electric field direction and the concept of "net" electric field. Some guidance has been provided regarding the importance of visualizing the electric fields, and there is an acknowledgment of the original poster's confusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a specific case where Q=1.0C, indicating a possible assumption about the magnitudes of the charges affecting their understanding of the electric field direction.

spencerchad
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Homework Statement


A charge +Q exists at a point and directly west of this point a charge -Q exists. What is the direction of the net electric field at the midway point?

I'm studying old finals for my exam and this question keeps popping up in various forms. The answer is always directed toward the negative charge. To me the answer should be zero if say Q=1.0C.
 
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Ask yourself:
What's the direction of the field from the negative charge at the midpoint?
What's the direction of the field from the positive charge at the midpoint?
 
Draw a diagram and put in the directions of the electric fields of the 2 charges at the midway point.
Would these 2 fields add to zero?
 
Ah yes that make sense. I got hung up on "net" and thinking of the charges numerically rather than visualizing their electric field lines. Thanks for the quick reply!
 

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