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Striker asked in Science & MathematicsPhysics · 7 years ago

A point charge q1 = -4.00 nC is at the point x = 0.60 m, y = 0.80 m , and a second point charge q2 = +6.00 nC?

A point charge q1 = -4.00 nC is at the point x = 0.60 m, y = 0.80 m , and a second point charge q2 = +6.00 nC is at the point x = 0.60 m , y = 0.

Calculate the magnitude of the net electric field at the origin due to these two point charges. how do i find the angle (with tan).

Calculate the direction of the net electric field at the origin due to these two point charges.

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  • 7 years ago
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    the 'pros' probably wouldn't like this approach

    but

    since field strength is N/C

    place an imaginary 1C charge at the origin and calculate the force of each of the given charges on the charge at the origin

    then add them (they are vectors) to get the reluctant which is the field strength at the origin

    use F = K q1 12 / r^2

    another trick is to resolve any pushes into pulls

    let our imaginary charge be +1C, then -4nC exerts a pull but +6nC pushes so reflect it's position across the origin to (-0.60 , 0) and change the sign of the charge to negative

    (0.60 , 0.80) makes a 3,4,5 rt. triangle with hypotenuse of 1.0 m

    and tan(angle) = 0.80 /0.60 = 1.333, angle - 53.1° above the +x-axis

    F = 8.99E9 (4.00E-9) (1) / 1.00^2 = 35.96 N @ 53.1° (first force)

    then

    F = 8.99E9 (6.0E-9) (1) / 0.60^2 = 149.8 N @ 180° (second force)

    add the two forces by constructing a parallelogram with the two vectors as adjacent sides

    then find (r, theta) using Law of Cosines and Law of Sines

    I get

    35.96 N @ 53.1 + 149.8 N @ 180° = 131 N @ 167.4°

    which translates to

    field strength = 131 N/C at an angle of 12.6° above the negative y-axis

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