Question about vectors with electric field equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the application of the electric field equation E = (kq)/(R)^2 in determining vector direction. The key confusion arises regarding when to assign a negative sign to the vector in calculations. It is clarified that the direction of the electric field vector aligns with the path from the charge source to the field point, adjusted by the charge's sign. For example, when calculating the field at point (1,1) from a charge at the origin, the vector's direction must reflect this relationship. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurate electric field computations.
LakeMountD
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Using the equation E= (kq)/(R)^2 in the r direction. I am confused on when to make the vector negative in my equations. For instance if you had a charge on x=0 and x=5 (on the x axis) and then you want to find the field at point (1,1) or something like this.
 
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Consider an electric charge "q" in the origin of the coordinate system.The electric field at at a point of coordinate vector \vec{r} is

\vec{E}=\frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}\epsilon_{r}|\vec{r}|^{2}}\frac{\vec{r}}{|\vec{r}|}

That's all.

Daniel.
 
The direction of the vector is the same as the direction from the source point to the field point - multiplied by the sign of the charge.
 
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