Magnitude and Direction of Electric Fields

In summary, the question is asking for the charge of a small object creating an electric field at a specific point. The formula used to calculate electric field is E = F/q and for a point charge is E = 2kq/d. The value of the field at the point P is given as 40 directed south, and the distance from the object A to point P is 0.250. The student is advised to search for "electric field of a point charge" if using a textbook, or to try plugging in the given values into the formula.
  • #1
sarahaha44
5
0
Hey yall. This is a question from my homework but it's so basic that it's just to help with the concept for me. So the question is this:

A small object A, electrically charged, creates an electric field. At a point P located 0.250 directly north of A, the field has a value of 40.0 directed to the south. What is the charge of object A?

I know there is a formula, is it perhaps E=F/q) E= 2kq/d ? And if it is, what is plugged in for what? Help please!
 
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  • #2
Tip: a "small object" can be treated as point-like to a good approximation. So try a Google search for "electric field of a point charge".

If you're using a printed textbook, try looking in the index under "Electric field /
Point charge" or something like that.​
 

FAQ: Magnitude and Direction of Electric Fields

1. What is the difference between magnitude and direction of an electric field?

The magnitude of an electric field is a measure of the strength of the field, while the direction refers to the direction in which the electric field points. The magnitude is represented by the size of the vector, and the direction is represented by the orientation of the vector.

2. How is the magnitude of an electric field calculated?

The magnitude of an electric field is calculated by dividing the force acting on a test charge by the magnitude of the test charge. This is represented by the equation E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the force, and q is the test charge.

3. Can the magnitude of an electric field be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of an electric field can be negative. This indicates that the electric field is pointing in the opposite direction of the positive direction conventionally used to represent electric fields. The negative sign does not indicate a decrease in strength, but rather a change in direction.

4. How is the direction of an electric field represented?

The direction of an electric field is represented by a vector, which is an arrow pointing in the direction of the field. The direction of the field is indicated by the orientation of the arrow, with the head of the arrow pointing towards the direction of the field.

5. What factors affect the strength and direction of an electric field?

The strength and direction of an electric field are affected by the magnitude and distribution of charges in the surrounding area. The distance between charges, as well as the type of material between the charges, also play a role in determining the strength and direction of the electric field.

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