Electric field of point charges

In summary, the problem involves a 4microC point charge at the origin and two other point charges, q1 and q2, placed on the x axis at 30cm and 50cm, respectively. The net force on each of the three charges is zero, and the task is to find the magnitude and sign of q1 and q2. The attempt at a solution involved using the equation F=\frac{kqQ}{r2}, but the calculations are unclear and further assistance is needed.
  • #1
dh743
15
0

Homework Statement


A 4microC point charge is placed at the coordinate origin. Two other point charges are placed on the x axis: q1 at x=30cm and q2 at x=50cm. Find the magnitude and sign of q1 and q2 if the net force on each of the three charges is zero.


Homework Equations


E=[tex]\frac{kq}{r2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using F=[tex]\frac{kqQ}{r2}[/tex] to find the relationship between the points (i.e. let one equal the other) but I'm basically just completely stumped on this one so any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
hi dh743! :smile:

(try using the X2 and X2 icons just above the Reply box :wink:)

show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong, and we'll know how to help :smile:
 

FAQ: Electric field of point charges

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field created by electrically charged objects. It describes the force that a charged particle would experience at any given point in space.

How is the electric field of a point charge calculated?

The electric field of a point charge is calculated using the equation E = kq/r^2, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge of the point charge, and r is the distance from the point charge to the point where the electric field is being calculated.

What is the direction of the electric field of a point charge?

The direction of the electric field of a point charge is radial, meaning it points away from a positive charge and towards a negative charge. The direction can also be determined by the direction of the force that a positive test charge would experience if placed at that point.

What happens to the electric field if the distance from the point charge is increased?

The electric field strength decreases as the distance from the point charge increases. This relationship follows an inverse square law, meaning that the electric field strength is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the point charge.

How does the electric field of multiple point charges interact?

The electric fields of multiple point charges interact by superposition, meaning that the total electric field at any given point is the vector sum of the individual electric fields from each point charge. The direction and strength of the resulting electric field can be calculated using the principle of superposition.

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