Finding the electric field at point - Can someone check my work?

In summary, the electric field at point B (a, a/2) is given by the formula E_B = Q(2a)/(4πε_0(a^2+a^2/4)^3/2), after canceling out the charges at (a,a) and (a,0).
  • #1
emhelp100
14
0

Homework Statement


Four equivalent charges are placed at (0,0), (a,0), (0,a), and (a,a). What is the electric field at point B (a, a/2)?
upload_2018-4-18_22-39-45.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt:
Charges at (a,a) and (a,0) cancel each other out.
[itex]E_{(0,a)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}a +\hat{y}\frac{a}{2})}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}[/itex]

[itex]E_{(0,0)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}a -\hat{y}\frac{a}{2})}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}[/itex]

[itex]\sum E = E_{(0,a)}+E_{(0,0)}= \frac{Q(\hat{x}2a)}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}[/itex]
[itex]E_B = \frac{Q(\hat{x}2a)}{4\pi e_0 (a^2+\frac{a^2}{4})^{3/2}}[/itex]
Is my answer correct?
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-4-18_22-39-45.png
    upload_2018-4-18_22-39-45.png
    356 bytes · Views: 680
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
emhelp100 said:
Is my answer correct?
Yes, but you could simplify it some.
 
  • #3
Where did the a in the numerator come from?
 
  • #4
Dr Dr news said:
Where did the a in the numerator come from?
Same place the extra power of 1/2 came from in the denominator: taking the component in the x direction.
 

Related to Finding the electric field at point - Can someone check my work?

1. How do I find the electric field at a specific point?

To find the electric field at a point, you can use Coulomb's law or the electric field equation, which takes into account the charge and distance from the point.

2. Can someone check my calculation for the electric field at a point?

It is always a good idea to have someone double-check your calculations, especially for something as important as the electric field. You can ask a colleague or a mentor for assistance.

3. What is the unit of measurement for electric field?

The unit for electric field is newtons per coulomb (N/C). This represents the force per unit charge at a specific point in the electric field.

4. How do I determine the direction of the electric field at a point?

The direction of the electric field at a point is determined by the direction in which a positive test charge would move. This is typically represented by arrows pointing away from positive charges and towards negative charges.

5. What factors affect the strength of the electric field at a point?

The strength of the electric field at a point is affected by the magnitude of the charge creating the field and the distance from the point to the charge. The type of material in between the point and the charge can also impact the strength of the electric field.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
952
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
854
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
935
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
210
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
914
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
949
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
252
Back
Top