What is the electric field at a distance of 2.0 m from a point charge of 40 J/C?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field at a distance of 2.0 m from a point charge, given an electric field value at a different distance. The subject area is electrostatics, specifically focusing on electric fields generated by point charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for electric field strength based on distance and charge. Some participants question the units used for electric field, suggesting a potential misunderstanding of terminology. Others provide a formula for calculating electric field strength and suggest finding the charge value to proceed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the correctness of units. Guidance has been offered regarding the formula for electric field strength, but no consensus on the approach or final answer has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the units of electric field, with some participants asserting that the correct unit should be N/C instead of J/C. The original poster's understanding of the relationship between charge, distance, and electric field is also under scrutiny.

wakejosh
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Homework Statement



at a distance of 1.0 m from a point charge, the electric field is 40 J/C. What is the electric field at a distance of 2.0 m from the point charge?


The Attempt at a Solution



so, i understand that the elecric field should be = charge/distance(squared).

so I did:
40/(2^2) = 10 J/C

Is this correct or am i missing something? thanks
 
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Are you sure it's J/c? Isn't that volts? Shouldn't it be N/c?

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/CLASS/estatics/u8l4b3.gif

The standard metric units on electric field strength arise from its definition. Since electric field is defined as a force per charge, its units would be force units divided by charge units. In this case, the standard metric units are Newton/Coulomb or N/C.

Excuse me if I'm blabbering, I'm just trying to look smart with my less than a year's worth of physics:biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
im no craque at physics, but all my options are in J/C.
 
E=\frac{Kq}{r^2}
k=\frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon}=9x10^9N
Find q, and then use the above equations to find E at r=2.
 

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