What is the Strength of the Electric Field?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the strength of the electric field using the formula E1 = (k*p)/(r^2 + a^2)^(3/2). The initial attempt incorrectly used the charge instead of the dipole moment for p, which should be calculated as p = 2aq. After correcting this, a new calculation yields a result of 906, raising concerns about the expected relationship between the electric field strength and the distance r. The complete problem statement emphasizes the need to express the answer with two significant figures. Overall, the thread highlights common pitfalls in applying formulas related to electric fields and dipole moments.
littlejon
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Homework Statement


Specify the strength of the electric field. Let r = 7.3cm .

Homework Equations


E1= (k*p)/(r^2+a^2)^3/2
Here k= constant used in Coulomb's law. a= half the length of dipole
p= dipole moment = charge x length of dipole. Charge = 3nC and length of dipole

The Attempt at a Solution


E1= (9E9)(3E-9)/(.146)^2+(.073)^2)^(3/2)= 6207

I got this wrong, but does anyone have any advice on how to solve this?
 

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littlejon said:

Homework Statement


Specify the strength of the electric field. Let r = 7.3cm .

Homework Equations


E1= (k*p)/(r^2+a^2)^3/2
Here k= constant used in Coulomb's law. a= half the length of dipole
p= dipole moment = charge x length of dipole. Charge = 3nC and length of dipole

The Attempt at a Solution


E1= (9E9)(3E-9)/(.146)^2+(.073)^2)^(3/2)= 6207

I got this wrong, but does anyone have any advice on how to solve this?
It appears that you used the amount of charge for p, rather than dipole moment.

## p=2aq ##
 
SammyS said:
It appears that you used the amount of charge for p, rather than dipole moment.

## p=2aq ##
Then ((9E9)(2*.073*3E-9))/((.146^2)+(.073)^2)^(3/2) = 906?
 
I'm surprised that a problem like this would have a be larger than r. Usually it's the other way around.

What is the complete problem you were given to solve? -- word for word.
 
SammyS said:
I'm surprised that a problem like this would have a be larger than r. Usually it's the other way around.

What is the complete problem you were given to solve? -- word for word.
What are the strength and direction of the electric field at the position indicated by the dot in the figure (Figure 1) ?
Specify the strength of the electric field. Let r = 7.3cm .
Express your answer using two significant figures.
Thats word for word.
 
littlejon said:
What are the strength and direction of the electric field at the position indicated by the dot in the figure (Figure 1) ?
Specify the strength of the electric field. Let r = 7.3cm .
Express your answer using two significant figures.
That's word for word.
In the figure, the charges have a separation, 2r . That is to say, a = r .

physics-problem-png.80347.png
 
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