Find Net Electric Field Magnitude & Direction in an Equilateral Triangle

You can use the x and y components of the electric field to determine its direction and then use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude. In summary, the equation to find the net electric field at the centre of an equilateral triangle is \vec{E} = \frac{kq}{r^2}\hat{r}. To find the direction of the field, use the x and y components and the Pythagorean theorem.
  • #1
kevykevy
25
0
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at the centre (or centroid) of the triangle.

The triangle is equilateral and the point of reference is in the middle of the triangle.

What I want to know is what equation do I use to figure this out?

At first I thought it was: Fnet = kq1q2/r^2

Is that right?, if not can you tell what to use?
 
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  • #2
That's almost right...the question asks for the net electric field, which means you have to use a vector, not just the magnitude as you've shown.

[tex]\vec{E} = \frac{kq}{r^2}\hat{r}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Also, how do I find the direction of the field?

Do I have to use some sort of x and y component breakdown?
 
  • #4
kevykevy said:
Do I have to use some sort of x and y component breakdown?

That's right.
 

FAQ: Find Net Electric Field Magnitude & Direction in an Equilateral Triangle

What is the formula for finding the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle?

The formula for finding the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle is E = k * Q / r², where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the point source, and r is the distance between the point source and the point where the electric field is being measured.

How do you determine the direction of the net electric field in an equilateral triangle?

The direction of the net electric field in an equilateral triangle can be determined by using the principle of superposition. This means that the net electric field at any point in the triangle is the vector sum of the electric fields produced by each individual charge in the triangle.

What are the key factors that affect the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle?

The key factors that affect the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle are the charges of the individual sources, the distance between the sources and the point where the electric field is being measured, and the angle at which the electric field is being measured.

Can the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle ever be zero?

Yes, the net electric field magnitude in an equilateral triangle can be zero if the charges of the individual sources are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, and also if the distances between the sources and the point where the electric field is being measured are equal.

How does the net electric field in an equilateral triangle change when the distance between the sources is increased?

As the distance between the sources in an equilateral triangle increases, the net electric field magnitude at any point in the triangle decreases. This is because the electric field produced by each individual source becomes weaker as the distance between them increases, resulting in a smaller net electric field magnitude.

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