Two point charges are placed at two of the corners of a triangle (Take q1 = -10.2 µC, and q2 = 16.3 µC.)
Find the magnitude and the direction of the electric field at the third corner of the triangle.
To find the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the third corner of the triangle, we can use Coulomb's Law and vector addition. Here's how you can calculate it step by step:
1. Identify the two charges and their positions:
- Charge 1 (q1) with a magnitude of -10.2 µC at one corner of the triangle.
- Charge 2 (q2) with a magnitude of 16.3 µC at another corner of the triangle.
- Let's label the third corner as Point 3, where we want to find the electric field.
2. Calculate the electric field due to each charge separately:
- The electric field due to a point charge at a certain distance can be calculated using the equation:
E = k * (|q1| / r^2), where k is the electrostatic constant (9 × 10^9 Nm^2/C^2).
- For Charge 1 (q1), calculate its electric field vector E1:
- Determine the distance between q1 and Point 3.
- Plug in the values into the electric field equation, considering the signs.
- For Charge 2 (q2), calculate its electric field vector E2:
- Determine the distance between q2 and Point 3.
- Plug in the values into the electric field equation, considering the signs.
3. Determine the direction of the electric field vector at Point 3:
- The direction of the electric field at Point 3 can be determined by vector addition of E1 and E2.
- Add E1 and E2 vectors, and the resultant vector will give you the magnitude and direction of the electric field at Point 3.
4. Calculate the magnitude and direction:
- Find the sum of the magnitudes of E1 and E2 using vector addition.
- The direction of the electric field at Point 3 can be determined by the direction of the resultant vector.
By following these steps and performing the calculations, you will be able to find the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the third corner of the triangle.