How Do You Calculate the Unknown Charge in an Electrostatic Field?

In summary, the problem involves an unknown charge and a charge of 60 nC that are 2.0m apart. The electric field strength is zero at a point 0.80m from the unknown charge. To find the magnitude of the unknown charge, the equations q=F/E, F=kq1q1/r^2, and E=kq/r^2 can be used. The Coulomb constant is 8.99 x 10^9. The attempted solution involved setting up an equation with the given information, but it did not seem to be helpful. Further guidance is needed to find the force on a third charge at a point with 2 charges present.
  • #1
Nitrate
75
0

Homework Statement



An unknown charge and a charge of 60 nC are 2.0m apart. The electric field strength is zero at a point 0.80m from the unknown charge on a line connecting the two charges. Find the magnitutde of the unknown charge.

Homework Equations


q=F/E
F=kq1q1/r^2
E=kq/r^2

Coulomb constant: 8.99 x10^9


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried making an equation with the info given, but it doesn't seem like it's going to help me:
0=(8.99x10^9)(x)/(0.8)^2

i think i just need a push in the right direction
 
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  • #2
anyone?
 
  • #3
What is the equation of an electric field with 2 charges present?
 
  • #4
JHamm said:
What is the equation of an electric field with 2 charges present?

uhh?
force?
 
  • #5
If the system has 2 charges how do you find the force on a third charge at a point? :)
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Unknown Charge in an Electrostatic Field?

What are electrostatic forces?

Electrostatic forces are forces that exist between electrically charged particles. They can be attractive or repulsive depending on the charge of the particles involved.

How are electrostatic forces different from magnetic forces?

Electrostatic forces involve the interaction between electrically charged particles, whereas magnetic forces involve the interaction between magnetic fields and moving charged particles.

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electrically charged particle experiences a force. It is created by electric charges and can be represented by lines of force.

How do you calculate the strength of an electric field?

The strength of an electric field is determined by the magnitude of the electric charge and the distance between the charges. It can be calculated using Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

What is the difference between an electric field and an electric potential?

An electric field is a measure of the force experienced by a charged particle, while an electric potential is a measure of the potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field. Electric potential is also known as voltage and is measured in volts.

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