What magnitude charge creates a 4.17 N/C electric field at 9.78 m?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnitude of charge that produces a specific electric field strength at a given distance. The subject area is electrostatics, focusing on electric fields and charge relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for electric fields and attempt calculations based on the given parameters. There is a focus on verifying the constants used in the calculations and questioning the correctness of the initial attempt.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, checking calculations, and clarifying the use of constants. There is an exploration of related questions regarding the nature of electric fields and charge signs, with some guidance provided on the implications of field direction.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using different constants for the electric field calculation, and a related question about a different scenario involving electric fields and charge signs is raised, indicating potential confusion or overlap in understanding the concepts.

BuBbLeS01
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Simple electric field problem...

Homework Statement


What magnitude charge creates a 4.17 N/C electric field at a point 9.78 m away?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


E = (k * Q) / r^2
Q = (E * r^2) / K = 4.43 x 10^10 C
Why isn't that right?
 
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Check your math. I don't get the same answer with the expression you used.
 
oh shoot I was using K = 9 x 10^-9 because everything is in nC so that's what I did...thanks!
 
Is this question not asking the same thing?

The electric field 4.1 cm from a small object points toward the object with a strength of 199400 N/C. What is the object's charge?

q = 3.72 x 10^-8 C
 
BuBbLeS01 said:
Is this question not asking the same thing?

The electric field 4.1 cm from a small object points toward the object with a strength of 199400 N/C. What is the object's charge?

q = 3.72 x 10^-8 C

If the field is pointing towards the charge, what does that tell you about the charge?
 
its negative
 
Right. I don't see anything wrong with your calculation otherwise.
 
thanks so much!
 

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