The approximate orientation of an electric field

[Physicaa]

Homework Statement

On the image, the left stick has a positive charge and the one of the right has a negative one. (Unirformed charge for each) Give the approximate orientation of the electric fields at the points A, B, C, D by using cardinal orientation.

http://imgur.com/uWW7JJH

[Image inserted by moderator]

Homework Equations

Just adding up electric fields

The Attempt at a Solution

A : There are two vectors, one that is pointing towards A by the North/East by going "out" of the positive stick and another one that is pointing towards the negative stick towards the South/East. When we add them we have a field pointing towards the East.

B: There is a small vector pointing towards the West going out of the positive stick and there is another bigger vector going towards the East from the point B to the the negative stick. Vector addition gives us a vector towards the East.

C : Same thing, towards the East

D: One vector is going out of the positive stick and towards D in the south/East. Another is going towards the negative stick from D towards the North/East. We add them and we obtain a vector towards the East.To be honest, I'm not sure about C and D. A and D I think I got them right.

 

[TSny]

The Attempt at a Solution

B: There is a small vector pointing towards the West going out of the positive stick and there is another bigger vector going towards the East from the point B to the the negative stick. Vector addition gives us a vector towards the East.

Why would the positive stick produce a smaller field at B compared to the negative stick?

Parts A and D look good.

 

[Physicaa]

Why would the positive stick produce a smaller field at B compared to the negative stick?

Parts A and D look good.

You're right, I looked at the problem purely from a geometrical point of view. I finally understood the problem and solved it. Thanks

 

[TSny]

Good work!