Direction of Net Electric Field

In summary, the three spheres in the figure have a charge of -5.66 x 10-6 coulombs each. Sphere B is 0.364 meters away from sphere A and sphere C is 0.276 meters away from sphere A. The resulting electric field at the location of sphere A has a magnitude of 7.71 x 10^5 and is in the second quadrant at an angle of 60.1 degrees. To find the angle, you can use the equation tanθ = -Fy/Fx and use (180-θ) as the required angle.
  • #1
bleedblue1234
109
0

Homework Statement



A charge of -5.66 x 10-6 coulombs exists on each of the three spheres in the figure below. Sphere B is 0.364 meters from sphere A, and sphere C is 0.276 meters from sphere A.

b. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at the location of sphere A (referenced to east being 0°, all angles between 0° and 360°).

CoulombNet.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



I got the magnitude to be 7.71 x 10 ^5 and it was correct...

so i solved for the angle and got 60.1 degrees...

but I am unsure of how this will correlate to the angle... i tried adding 270 and then 360-60.1 and neither worked
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
this is semi-urgent... help is appreciated... thanks everyone
 
  • #3
The resultant force is in the second quadrant.
If you find the angle by using
tanθ = - Fy/Fx , the the required angle is (180 - θ).
 

FAQ: Direction of Net Electric Field

What is the direction of the net electric field?

The direction of the net electric field is the direction in which a positive test charge would experience a force. It is always directed towards the negative charge and away from the positive charge.

How is the direction of the net electric field determined?

The direction of the net electric field is determined by vector addition of the individual electric field vectors of all the charges present in a given system. The resultant direction will depend on the magnitude and direction of each individual electric field.

Can the direction of the net electric field change?

Yes, the direction of the net electric field can change if the distribution or magnitude of charges in a system changes. It can also change if the position of the test charge is altered.

What is the significance of the direction of the net electric field?

The direction of the net electric field is important because it determines the direction in which a charged particle will move when placed in the field. It also helps in understanding the behavior of electric charges in a given system.

How does the direction of the net electric field affect the potential energy of a charge?

The direction of the net electric field affects the potential energy of a charge by determining the direction in which the charge will move. If the charge moves in the direction of the electric field, its potential energy decreases. On the other hand, if the charge moves against the direction of the electric field, its potential energy increases.

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