Where is the point charge located and what is its charge in this electric field?

In summary, the conversation discusses the electric field at two points, x=10.0 cm and y=0 and x=20.0 cm and y=0, which both point in the positive x direction with magnitudes of 10.0 N/C and 20.0 N/C, respectively. The conversation then moves on to finding the location, sign, and magnitude of the point charge producing this electric field. After attempting a solution and consulting with tutors, it is determined that the correct answers are a distance of 24.14 meters and a charge of -0.13 nC.
  • #1
ajmCane22
33
0

Homework Statement



The electric field at the point x = 10.0 cm and y = 0 points in the positive x direction with a magnitude of 10.0 N/C. At the point x = 20.0 cm and y = 0 the electric field points in the positive x direction with a magnitude of 20.0 N/C. Assume that this electric field is produced by a single, point charge.

(a) Find the location of the point charge.

(b) Find the sign and magnitude of its charge.

The Attempt at a Solution



10 =q/4piε(d+10)^2

20 = q/4piε(d)^2
E is more at x=20 , so q must be -ve, and situated beyond x=20

dividing both eqn , we get
20/10 = d^2 + 100+ 20d/ d^2
solving the quadratic eqn , we get
d= 10±10√2
d= 24.14cm
put d= 24.14 in any above formula,

we get q= -0.13nC

Both answers are incorrect. I've gone to two different tutors and neither could help. Please help
 
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  • #2
Measure distances in meters, not cm.
 

FAQ: Where is the point charge located and what is its charge in this electric field?

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field that is created by electrically charged objects and exerts a force on other charged particles within the field. It is represented by lines of force and the direction of the field is determined by the direction a positive test charge would move within it.

How is electric field strength measured?

Electric field strength is measured in volts per meter (V/m) or newtons per coulomb (N/C). It can be calculated by dividing the force exerted on a test charge by the magnitude of the charge.

What is the relationship between electric field and charge?

The relationship between electric field and charge is defined by Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the charge increases, the electric field becomes stronger.

Can electric field lines cross each other?

No, according to the properties of electric fields, field lines cannot cross each other. This is because the direction of the field at any point is determined by the direction a positive test charge would move, and if field lines were to cross, the direction at that point would be ambiguous.

What are the applications of electric field and charge?

Electric fields and charges have numerous applications in various fields, including electronics, telecommunications, and energy production. They are also used in medical imaging and treatments, such as in MRI machines and defibrillators. Additionally, electric fields play a crucial role in understanding and studying the behavior of particles in the universe, such as in the study of plasma in stars.

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