Electric fields are not always superposable

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the principle of superposition of electric fields, which may not apply in cases of very strong electric forces, as noted in the textbook "Fundamentals of Physics" by Resnick, Halliday, and Krane. Participants express confusion regarding this assertion, with one user seeking clarification on its implications. Another user mentions that their teacher suggested air ionization as a possible reason for the failure of superposition, though this explanation is deemed unsatisfactory. The text does not elaborate further on the topic, leaving participants seeking a deeper understanding of the conditions under which superposition may fail. The conversation highlights the need for more comprehensive explanations in educational materials regarding complex physical principles.
ssj5harsh
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"Electric fields are not always superposable"

In my Physics textbook by Resnick, Halliday and Krane (Wiley publications), it is mentioned that (pg. 575),
" the principle of superposition of electric fields is not at all obvious and may fail in the case of very strong electric forces."
Can someone please elaborate on this point.
 
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ssj5harsh said:
In my Physics textbook by Resnick, Halliday and Krane (Wiley publications), it is mentioned that (pg. 575),
" the principle of superposition of electric fields is not at all obvious and may fail in the case of very strong electric forces."
Can someone please elaborate on this point.
I don't really know what you are talking about. Could you provide some more info. I must have a different Resnick, Halliday and Krane version (i have got the 5th extended edition)


marlon
 
Thank you

I have the Resnick,Halliday and Krane. Fifth Edition (Eastern economy edition). The name is Fundamentals of Physics.(Vol 2)
The statement is given in chapter 25 and chapter 26.
The book does not provide any more information. After the statement, it simply states that the principle of superposition is valid for all situations described in the book.

I have also asked my teacher. He says it might be due to ionization of air in strong electric fields, but i don't find his explanation satisfactory (for, if it was such a simple reason, the text would mention it.)
 
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