What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving finding the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point between two charges, with a distance of 2.5 cm between them. The equation E = k(Q1 + Q2)/L^2 is mentioned, and the importance of using consistent units is emphasized. The conversation also suggests drawing a diagram to better understand the problem.
  • #1
schern42
5
0
What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point midway between a -7.0 µC and a +6.0 µC charge 2.5 cm apart? Assume no other charges are nearby.

I thought I was approaching the problem correctly, but I'm not getting the right answer. I used the equation:
E = k(Q1 + Q2)/L^2
 
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  • #2
Hard to say what went wrong. What's L?
 
  • #3
L is 2.5 cm
 
  • #4
How far is the point midway between the charges from each charge? That's what should go into your E expression.
 
  • #5
drawin it all might help, as it always does =P
 
  • #6
Make sure all your units are consistent too.
 
  • #7
It's better than plugging numbers randomly into formulas just because they happen to be stated in the problem.
 

FAQ: What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field

What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field?

The magnitude and direction of the electric field are two important characteristics that describe the electric field at a given point. The magnitude of the electric field represents the strength of the field, while the direction indicates the direction in which a positive charge would move if placed at that point. This information is crucial in understanding the behavior of electric charges in a given system.

How is the magnitude of the electric field calculated?

The magnitude of the electric field is calculated by dividing the force experienced by a test charge placed in the electric field by the magnitude of the test charge. This results in a value that represents the strength of the electric field at that point. The unit of electric field magnitude is Newtons per Coulomb (N/C).

How is the direction of the electric field determined?

The direction of the electric field is determined by the direction in which a positive test charge would move when placed at a given point. This direction is always pointed away from positive charges and towards negative charges. In other words, the electric field lines always point in the direction of the force that a positive charge would experience in the electric field.

What factors affect the magnitude and direction of the electric field?

The magnitude and direction of the electric field can be affected by various factors such as the distance between charges, the magnitude of the charges, and the medium in which the charges are located. Additionally, the presence of other charges in the vicinity can also influence the electric field.

Why is understanding the magnitude and direction of the electric field important?

Understanding the magnitude and direction of the electric field is important in various fields such as engineering, physics, and chemistry. It helps in predicting the behavior of electric charges and designing systems that utilize electric fields, such as electric circuits and electronic devices. Additionally, it is essential in understanding the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and its applications in our daily lives.

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