What is the electric field at point P?

In summary, the question asks for the electric field at point P, which is collinear with a +2.80 μC charged particle and a -8.50 μC charged particle. Point P is located 10 cm to the left of the positive charge and 20 cm to the left of the negative charge. The electric field can be calculated using the equation E = kq/r^2, and the fields from the two charges must be added as vectors to find the total electric field at point P.
  • #1
Mr.somebody
17
0

Homework Statement



Point P is collinear with a +2.80 μC charged particle and a -8.50 μC charged particle as shown in the diagram below. Point P is 10 cm to the left of the positive charge and 20 cm to the left of the negative charge. What is the electric field at point P?

p--------(2.80uc)---------(-8.50uc)

Homework Equations


e=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


i found the e field from p to the positive charge and p to the negative charge should i add them to find the total e field at point p?
 
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  • #2
Yes you just need to add the field due to the two charges; but remember that the E field is a vector!
 

Related to What is the electric field at point P?

1. What is the concept of electric field?

The electric field is a physical quantity that is used to describe the force exerted on a charged particle by other charged particles in its surroundings. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is the electric field at a point defined?

The electric field at a point is defined as the force per unit charge exerted on a positive test charge placed at that point. It is represented by the symbol E and is measured in units of Newtons per Coulomb (N/C).

3. How is the electric field at a point calculated?

The electric field at a point is calculated by dividing the force exerted on a test charge by the magnitude of the charge. Mathematically, it can be expressed as E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the force, and q is the charge.

4. How is the electric field affected by distance?

The electric field follows an inverse square law, meaning that as the distance from a point charge increases, the electric field strength decreases by a factor of the square of the distance. This relationship is expressed mathematically as E ∝ 1/r², where E is the electric field and r is the distance from the point charge.

5. How do multiple charges affect the electric field at a point?

If multiple charges are present at different locations, the electric field at a point is the vector sum of the individual electric fields produced by each charge. This can be calculated by taking into account the magnitude and direction of each electric field using vector addition.

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