Where is the Max Electrostatic field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coordinates along the x-axis where the electrostatic field is maximized due to two positive charges, each valued at 3 μC, located at (0, 2 cm) and (0, -2 cm) on the xOy plane. Participants emphasize the importance of calculating the electrostatic field using its formula and understanding the relationship between the electrostatic field and potential. The maximum electrostatic field occurs symmetrically on either side of the origin, and users are encouraged to explore both direct calculations of the field and the gradient of potential to find the solution.

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  • Understanding of electrostatic fields and forces
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's Law
  • Knowledge of electric potential and its gradient
  • Basic calculus concepts for optimization
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  • Calculate the electrostatic field using Coulomb's Law for point charges
  • Explore the relationship between electric potential and electric field
  • Learn about optimization techniques in calculus to find maxima
  • Investigate the concept of superposition in electrostatics
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Bloo_Mec
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Homework Statement


Consider 2 charges with value q=3[\muC], situated on the xOy plane at (0;2) and (0;-2) [cm]. Obtain the coordinates on the x-axis (y=0) where the modulo of the electrostatic field is maximum.


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


I am trying to do this but I keep failing.. I know that as both charges are positive, the maximum value of the electrostatic field will be in both sides of the origin, but i need to get that distance from the origin to the max electrostatic field point. My biggest question is what am suposed to do with the value of the electrostatic field in its formula? And is there any relation with another quantity when the electrostatic field is max? The potential does not have anything to do with that, i think, but the electrostatic force may have, but i can´t get it! I also tried to do this by finding the point where the gradient of r (I call "r" the distance from a charge to the point I'm trying to find) on the x direction is max, but i can't translate this mathematicaly. I'm stuck.

By the way, this is my first post! Hi everyone! Great forum you have here=)
 
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Hi Bloo_Mec! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a mu: µ :wink:)

Either find the field at r (remember, you'll only need the x coordinate :wink:), and then find its maximum

or find the potential at r, and use the fact that its gradient is the field.

What do you get? :smile:
 

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