Electric Field of 2 charges on x-axis

In summary, the equation for electric field strength, |E| = (Kq)/r^2, is being used to determine the difference between part (a) and part (b) of a homework problem. The person providing assistance suggests sketching the fields close to the charges in both cases to see the difference. The other person agrees that they are different, but asks for clarification on why they are different.
  • #1
notaphysmajor
2
0

Homework Statement


2_charges.png


Homework Equations


|E| = (Kq)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure if there is a difference between part (a) and part (b)
 
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  • #2
Hello NPM, :welcome:

well, from your relevant equation I wouldn't be able to see a difference! You need something more, about the direction perhaps !

Can you sketch the fields close to the charges in the two cases (there the 'other charge' hasn't got much influence) ?
 
  • #3
notaphysmajor said:

Homework Statement


2_charges.png


Homework Equations


|E| = (Kq)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure if there is a difference between part (a) and part (b)
They are very different. Why? :smile:
 

FAQ: Electric Field of 2 charges on x-axis

What is the formula for calculating the electric field of 2 charges on the x-axis?

The formula for calculating the electric field of 2 charges on the x-axis is E = k(q1/r1² + q2/r2²), where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r1 and r2 are the distances from the charges to the point where the electric field is being calculated.

How does the distance between the charges affect the electric field?

The distance between the charges directly affects the electric field. As the distance between the charges increases, the electric field decreases. This is because the electric field follows an inverse square law, meaning that it decreases as the square of the distance increases.

Can the electric field of 2 charges on the x-axis be negative?

Yes, the electric field can be negative. The direction of the electric field is determined by the direction of the force that a positive test charge would experience if placed at that point. If the forces from the two charges are in opposite directions, the electric field will be negative.

How does the magnitude of the charges affect the electric field?

The magnitude of the charges directly affects the electric field. As the magnitude of the charges increases, the electric field also increases. This is because the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charges.

What is the significance of the electric field of 2 charges on the x-axis?

The electric field of 2 charges on the x-axis is significant because it helps to explain the behavior of electrically charged particles. It is used to calculate the force that a charge would experience at any point in space, and plays a crucial role in understanding and predicting the behavior of electric fields in various situations.

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