What is the magnitude of the electric field?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of the electric field created by two charged particles, one with a charge of +25 µC and the other with -11 µC, positioned 11 cm apart. The electric field is to be evaluated at a point 10 cm to the right of the negative charge using the formula E = (kq)/r². The superposition principle is applied, indicating that both charges influence the electric field at the specified point. The user initially encountered errors in their calculations, prompting a request for assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of the constants involved, specifically k (Coulomb's constant)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of the superposition principle in electric fields
  • Practice calculations involving electric fields from multiple point charges
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their representation
  • Learn about the effects of distance on electric field strength
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand electric field calculations involving multiple charges.

zoomba91210
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two charged particles are fixed on the x-axis 11 cm apart. The one on the left has a net charge of +25uc and the one on the right has a net charge of -11uc. What is the magnitude of the electric field 10 cm to the right of the negative charge?

Homework Equations


E = (kq)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


When I plug in 9.0 x 10^9 for k, 11.0 x 10^-6 C for q and 0.1 m for r, I get the wrong answer.

Thanks for any help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello, zoomba91210.

Both charges contribute to the electric field at the point located 10 cm to the right of the negative charge. ("Superposition principle")
 
Last edited:
Suppose that a +ve unit test charge is located at a point on which E is to be calculated. Find the net force on that charge due to the two charges.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K