Two point charges are placed on the x axis.(Figure 1)The first charge, q 1 = 8.0

Question

Two point charges are placed on the x axis.(Figure 1)The first charge, q1 = 8.00 nC , is placed a distance 16.0 m from the origin along the positive x axis; the second charge, q2 = 6.00 nC , is placed a distance 9.00 m from the origin along the negative x axis

Figure 1

Figure 2

Part A

Find the electric field at the origin, point O.

Give the x and y components of the electric field as an ordered pair. Express your answer in newtons per coulomb to three significant figures. Keep in mind that an x component that points to the right is positive and a y component that points upward is positive.

Part B

Now, assume that charge q2 is negative; q2=6nC. (Figure 2) What is the net electric field at the origin, point O?

Give the x and y components of the electric field as an ordered pair. Express your answer in newtons per coulomb to three significant figures. Keep in mind that an x component that points to the right is positive and a y component that points upward is positive.

Explanation / Answer

A) The field due to the first charge points in the -x direction
Ex1 = k*q/r^2 = 9.0x10^9*8.00x10^-9/16^2 = 0.281N/C
And Ex2 is due to the second charge points in the +x direction
Ex2 =9.0x10^9*6.00x10^-9/9^2 = 0.667N/C

So the field is 0.667 - 0.281 = 0.386 (Along +x-direction)

B) The field due to the first charge points in the -x direction
Ex1 = k*q/r^2 = 9.0x10^9*8.00x10^-9/16^2 = 0.281N/C
And Ex2 is due to the second charge points in the -x direction
Ex2 =9.0x10^9*6.00x10^-9/9^2 = 0.667N/C

So the field is 0.667 + 0.281 = 0.948 (Along -x-direction)

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