Electric Field Calculation Between Point Charges

What is the process to determine the electric field at a specific distance between two point charges?

Discuss the steps to calculate the total electric field at a particular point.

Answer:

In this physics problem, the electric field at a distance is calculated from two point charges. The electric fields from each charge are calculated and summed. Due to opposing signs, these fields are subtractive resulting in a negative electric field.

Electric field is a fundamental concept in physics that helps us understand the interactions between charged particles. When dealing with point charges, the electric field at a specific distance can be determined by following these steps:

1. Identify the Charges

Firstly, determine the magnitudes and signs of the charges involved. In this case, there is a positive 10nC charge and a negative 40nC charge located at specific positions.

2. Calculate the Electric Fields

Use Coulomb's law to calculate the electric fields created by each charge individually. The formula for electric field E at a distance r from a point charge Q is E = kQ/r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant.

3. Determine the Direction of Electric Fields

Since opposite charges create electric fields in opposite directions, consider the direction of each electric field. When adding the fields together, the signs play a crucial role in determining the net electric field.

4. Sum the Electric Fields

Add or subtract the electric fields from each charge to find the total electric field at the desired location. Take into account the signs and magnitudes of the individual fields to get the correct result.

By following these steps, you can accurately calculate the electric field between point charges and understand how they interact with each other.