What is the electric field at q due to 4 charges in a square configuration?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scarth
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charges Square
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field at point q due to four charges arranged in a square. Participants express uncertainty about which equation to use, with one suggesting the formula Ke((|q1||q2|) / a). It is emphasized that the electric field at q is the vector sum of the electric fields from the other charges. Additionally, it is pointed out that the distance between charge Bq and point q is not equal to 'a', indicating a need for careful consideration of distances in the calculations. Understanding the definition of the electric field is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
Scarth
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
http://puu.sh/7MuKv.jpg
I'm not sure what equation to apply in this situation. I'm lead to believe
Ke((|q1||q2|) / a)
Is what I should be applying.

The Attempt at a Solution


No idea thus far.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF;
I'm not sure what equation to apply in this situation. I'm lead to believe
Ke((|q1||q2|) / a)
Is what I should be applying.
What leads you to believe that is the right equation?

Do you know the definition of the electric field?
If you do not, look it up. (online or in your course notes or both)

The electric field at q is the vector sum of the electric fields due to the other charges.
Notice that the distance between Bq and q is not a.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top