Solving for Electric Field Strength

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field strength of an electric dipole formed by 1.0 nC charges spaced 2.4 mm apart. The user initially applies the Pythagorean theorem to determine the distance and uses the force equation, but struggles with incorporating directionality into the electric field calculations. They inquire about the appropriate formula for the electric field of a dipole and seek clarification on the vector components involved. The user attempts to derive the electric field strength using the formula E = (kqd)/z^3 but questions how to apply it to both the x and y-axis points given the dipole's orientation. The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of vector analysis in electric field calculations.
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Homework Statement


An electric dipole is formed from
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1.0 nC charges spaced 2.4 mm apart. The dipole is at the origin, oriented along they-axis. What is the electric field strength at the following points?
a. (x, y) = (10 cm, 0 cm)
b. (x, y) = (0 cm, 10 cm)

Homework Equations


Pythagorean Theorem a^2 + b^2 = C^2
F= (kq1q2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for r^2 using the Pythagorean theorem and I got it to equal 0.01 m. Plugging r into the Force equation I got 900N. I think for part a I need to use vectors of the angle created between the x-axis and the hypotenuse (r) but I am not sure how to use that to get the electric field strength.
 
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F= (kq1q2)/r^2 is a formula for forces between point charges, and it does not take the direction into account.

Do you have a formula for the electric field of a dipole?
If not, do you have a formula for the force between two charges in vector form?
 
Is it E= (qd)/kz^3
if d = the distance between the charges and z is the distance I to the point I am solving for?
 
How did k go to the denominator (which needs brackets)? It is the right direction, but that formula needs more vectors to make sense.
 
So if the formula is F = (kqd)/z^3,
I plug in and get [(9.0E9 Nm^2/C^2)*(1.0E-9C)*(2.4E-3m)]/(0.01m)^3 = 21600 N/C
Is that all I have to do to solve for the x-axis values? and how does this equation relate to part b where both charges are no longer an equal distance to the point on they y-axis?
 
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