What is the electric field at q due to 4 charges in a square configuration?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the application of an equation in a situation involving electric fields and charges. The equation being considered is Ke((|q1||q2|) / a), but there is uncertainty about its validity. The concept of electric field and its definition are also brought up in the conversation.
  • #1
Scarth
1
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http://puu.sh/7MuKv.jpg
I'm not sure what equation to apply in this situation. I'm lead to believe
Ke((|q1||q2|) / a)
Is what I should be applying.

The Attempt at a Solution


No idea thus far.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF;
I'm not sure what equation to apply in this situation. I'm lead to believe
Ke((|q1||q2|) / a)
Is what I should be applying.
What leads you to believe that is the right equation?

Do you know the definition of the electric field?
If you do not, look it up. (online or in your course notes or both)

The electric field at q is the vector sum of the electric fields due to the other charges.
Notice that the distance between Bq and q is not a.
 

FAQ: What is the electric field at q due to 4 charges in a square configuration?

What is "4 Charges in a Square"?

"4 Charges in a Square" is a physical phenomenon in which four point charges are arranged at the corners of a square and the resulting electric fields and forces are studied.

What are point charges?

Point charges are hypothetical particles with a fixed amount of electric charge and no physical size. They are commonly used in physics to study the behavior of electric fields.

How are the charges arranged in "4 Charges in a Square"?

The charges are arranged at the corners of a square with equal distances between each charge. This creates a symmetrical and balanced system for studying electric fields.

What is the formula for calculating the electric field in "4 Charges in a Square"?

The formula for calculating the electric field at a point due to multiple point charges is the vector sum of the individual electric fields at that point. In the case of "4 Charges in a Square", this can be simplified to E = (kq/r^2)*cos(theta), where k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, r is the distance between the charges, and theta is the angle between the line connecting the point and the charge and the horizontal axis.

What are the practical applications of studying "4 Charges in a Square"?

Studying "4 Charges in a Square" can help us understand the behavior of electric fields in a symmetrical system, which has many practical applications. For example, it can be used to design electronic devices, analyze the behavior of charged particles in plasmas, and understand the properties of materials in which charges are present.

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