What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point located midway between two point charges, specifically a -7.0 µC charge and a +6.0 µC charge, which are separated by a distance of 2.5 cm. The original poster expresses difficulty in arriving at the correct answer using a specific equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's approach to the problem, questioning the variables used in the equation and suggesting that the distance from the midpoint to each charge should be considered. There is also a suggestion to visualize the problem through a drawing.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on clarifying the setup of the problem and ensuring consistent units. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and suggestions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using consistent units and understanding the correct distances involved in the calculation. There is an emphasis on not simply applying formulas without proper consideration of the problem's context.

schern42
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What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point midway between a -7.0 µC and a +6.0 µC charge 2.5 cm apart? Assume no other charges are nearby.

I thought I was approaching the problem correctly, but I'm not getting the right answer. I used the equation:
E = k(Q1 + Q2)/L^2
 
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Hard to say what went wrong. What's L?
 
L is 2.5 cm
 
How far is the point midway between the charges from each charge? That's what should go into your E expression.
 
drawin it all might help, as it always does =P
 
Make sure all your units are consistent too.
 
It's better than plugging numbers randomly into formulas just because they happen to be stated in the problem.
 

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