The electric field at the center of a square

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the electric field at the center of a square, specifically focusing on the mathematical reasoning behind the division of a by sqrt(2) in the context of vector components and distances within the square.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the geometric relationships within the square, particularly the distances from the corners to the center and how these relate to the electric field calculations. Questions are raised about the validity of the mathematical expressions used and the reasoning behind dividing by sqrt(2).

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of the mathematical relationships involved, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the distances and components. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equivalence of different expressions, but no consensus has been reached on the underlying reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a specific problem from a homework set, which may impose certain constraints or assumptions that are not fully articulated in the discussion.

Jay9313
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http://helios.augustana.edu/~dr/203/probs/Set%201.pdf
Scroll down to #11 for a picture.

So I kind of understand the math. I am a little confuse though. So why is a divided by sqrt(2)?
If this is a vector, then the center is really (a(sqrt(2)))/2 and the x component would be divided by sqrt(2) which makes the equation equal a/2. Can someone explain this? Is my math wrong?
 
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The diagonal distance from corner to corner is a*2^.5 and the distance from corner to the center is half of that,

a*2^.5/2 = a/2^.5

Yes?
 
The distance from the center to any corner is [itex]a/\sqrt{2}[/itex], that's why a is divided by sqrt(2).

Taking the x-component is accounted for by the cos(45) in the expression.
 
I'm not sure why it's a/sqrt(2). I do know that (a(sqrt(2))/2 is the exact same number. I don't know why.

Basically, I found the length of the diagonal, a(sqrt(2)) and divided it by 2. It's the same as a/sqrt(2)
 

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