The magnitude of the electric field

In summary, we need to calculate the electric field magnitude at the center of a square with one corner occupied by a -38.2μC charge and the other three occupied by -27.0μC charges. We can use the formula E=k(q/r^2) to calculate the magnitude of the electric field for each charge separately and then add them as vectors. There are no angles to consider in this calculation.
  • #1
flex bro
2
0

Homework Statement


Calculate the magnitude of the electric field at the center of a square 42.5cm on a side if one corner is occupied by a −38.2μC charge and the other three are occupied by −27.0μC charges.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


E=k(q/r^2) the direction of the electric field will be towards the -38.2μC charge
 
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  • #2
Superposition theorem: calculate the electric field magnitude separately for each 4 charges and then add them as vectors
 
  • #3
is there is any angles considered in analyzing the electric field
 
  • #4
Sorry, I don’t understand… Just calculate the four forces separately and add them. Your formula was correct
 

Related to The magnitude of the electric field

What is the magnitude of the electric field?

The magnitude of the electric field is a measure of the strength of the electric field at a particular point. It is expressed in units of volts per meter (V/m) in the SI system.

How is the magnitude of the electric field calculated?

The magnitude of the electric field is calculated by dividing the electric force acting on a test charge by the magnitude of the test charge itself. Mathematically, it is represented as E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the electric force, and q is the test charge.

What factors affect the magnitude of the electric field?

The magnitude of the electric field is affected by several factors, including the distance from the source of the electric field, the magnitude of the source charge, and the medium in which the electric field exists. It also depends on the relative positions and orientations of the source charge and the test charge.

Can the magnitude of the electric field be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of the electric field can be negative. This indicates the direction of the electric field, which can be either towards or away from the source charge. A negative electric field value represents a field that is directed towards the source charge, while a positive value represents a field that is directed away from the source charge.

How does the magnitude of the electric field affect the motion of charged particles?

The magnitude of the electric field determines the strength of the force exerted on a charged particle. The larger the magnitude of the electric field, the greater the force and the more significant the effect on the motion of the charged particle. A higher magnitude of the electric field can result in the acceleration or deflection of the charged particle.

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