Which way does electric field line go?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the net electric field at the origin due to symmetrically placed rectangular insulators with uniformly charged distributions. The correct answer is that the net electric field (Enet) is aligned with the negative x-axis. The user initially struggled with the concept but concluded that the direction of the electric field lines is essential for solving the problem. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding electric field direction in electrostatics.

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Homework Statement


Given symmetrically placed rectangular insulators with uniformly charged distributions of equal magnitude as shown in the figures be low, find the net electric field at the origin.
[PLAIN]http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8684/electricf.jpg
In the figure above, at the origin, the net field Enet is
1. aligned with the positive y-axis.
[STRIKE]2. non-zero and is not aligned with either the x- or y-axis.[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]3. zero and the direction is undefined.[/STRIKE]
4. aligned with the positive x-axis.
5. aligned with the negative x-axis.
6. aligned with the negative y-axis.

2 and 3 were wrong.

Homework Equations


None?


The Attempt at a Solution


I think they are asking for the direction of the electric field. Actually, I have no idea what I am supposed to solve for. I know I have to find Enet but how? Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I'm sorry for the double post. The answer to the above is 5 (aligned with the negative x-axis). I was on the right track, since the field lines travel towards the negatively charged rectangle. But I'm still not sure for the other 4 I'm supposed to solve for. Do I just figure out the direction of field lines? Thank you.

EDIT: Yes, I was right. Just find the direction of the field lines at (0,0). It seems I have answered my own question :)
 
Last edited:

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