The discussion revolves around determining the position of a proton needed to create a specified electric field vector at the origin. The electric field in question is given as < 0, 5e4, 0 > N/C, and participants are exploring the implications of this setup in the context of electric fields generated by point charges.
Some participants have shared their calculations and expressed uncertainty about the correctness of their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the values used in calculations and the implications of the proton's placement in relation to the desired electric field.
Participants are grappling with the interpretation of the problem, particularly regarding the coordinates for placing the proton and how these affect the electric field at the origin. There is mention of online submission feedback indicating incorrect answers, which adds to the uncertainty in the discussion.
cowmoo32 said:Homework Statement
You want to create an electric field = < 0, 5e4,0 > N/C at location < 0, 0, 0>.
Where would you place a proton to produce this field at the origin?
Homework Equations
[tex]\vec E = q\hat{r} / 4\pi\varepsilon r^2[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm not sure how to treat [tex]\hat{r}[/tex] in the equation. Obviously, I know it's equal to r/rmag, but rmag is what's throwing me.
That's just a unit vector (magnitude = 1) giving the direction of the field. The field from a positive charge is radially outward.cowmoo32 said:I'm not sure how to treat [tex]\hat{r}[/tex] in the equation. Obviously, I know it's equal to r/rmag, but rmag is what's throwing me.
cowmoo32 said:Ok, I thought that unit vector might be 1, so I solve for [tex]r^2[/tex], correct? I tried that and didn't get the right answer.
cowmoo32 said:5e4 = [(1.6e-19)(9e9)] / r^2
I got r = 1.69707e-7
cowmoo32 said:Because when I submit it online it tells me that's the wrong answer. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.