Physics 6B

Electric Field Examples

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.

q2 q1
x
x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula:

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q1
R2 x
x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: E1 E2

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q1
R2 x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: E1 E2

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q1
R2 x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

This is how we can put the +/- signs on the E-fields when
we add them up.
Etotal  E1  E2

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: E1 E2

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q1
R2 x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

This is how we can put the +/- signs on the E-fields when
we add them up.
Etotal  E1  E2

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(5  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 900 NC  500 NC
(0.2m) (0.3m)

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: Etotal

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q1
R2 x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

This is how we can put the +/- signs on the E-fields when
we add them up.
Etotal  E1  E2

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(5  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 900 NC  500 NC
(0.2m) (0.3m)

Etotal  400 NC (This means 400 N/C in the negative x-direction)

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: Etotal

kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a

E positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q3 q1
R2 x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

This is how we can put the +/- signs on the E-fields when
we add them up.
Etotal  E1  E2

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(5  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 900 NC  500 NC
(0.2m) (0.3m)

Etotal  400 NC (This means 400 N/C in the negative x-direction)

For part b) all we need to do is multiply the E-field from part a) times the new charge q 3.

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17.22 Two point charges are located on the x-axis as follows: charge q1 = +4 nC at
position x=0.2m and charge q2 = +5 nC at position x = -0.3m.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field produced by q1 and
q2 at the origin.
b) Find the net electric force on a charge q3=-0.6nC placed at the origin.
The electric field near a single point charge is given by the formula: Etotal
Fon3
kq This is only the magnitude. The direction is away from a
E 2 positive charge, and toward a negative one. q2 q3 q1
R x
At the origin, q1 will produce an E-field vector that points x=-0.3m x=0 x=0.2m
left, and q2 gives an E-field vector to the right.

This is how we can put the +/- signs on the E-fields when
we add them up.
Etotal  E1  E2

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(5  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 900 NC  500 NC
(0.2m) (0.3m)

Etotal  400 NC (This means 400 N/C in the negative x-direction)

For part b) all we need to do is multiply the E-field from part a) times the new charge q 3.

Note that this force is to the right, which is opposite the E-field
Fonq3  (0.6  109 C)(400 NC )  2.4  107 N This is because q3 is a negative charge: E-fields are always set
up as if there are positive charges.

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17.28 Two unequal charges repel each other with a force F. If both charges are
doubled in magnitude, what will be the new force in terms of F?

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17.28 Two unequal charges repel each other with a force F. If both charges are
doubled in magnitude, what will be the new force in terms of F?

kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges is Felec 
R2

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17.28 Two unequal charges repel each other with a force F. If both charges are
doubled in magnitude, what will be the new force in terms of F?

kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges is Felec 
R2

If both charges are doubled, we will have Felec  k(2q1 )(2q2 )  4  kq1q2
R2 R2

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17.28 Two unequal charges repel each other with a force F. If both charges are
doubled in magnitude, what will be the new force in terms of F?

kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges is Felec 
R2

If both charges are doubled, we will have Felec  k(2q1 )(2q2 )  4  kq1q2
R2 R2
So the new force is 4 times as large.

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17.29 Two unequal charges attract each other with a force F when they are a
distance D apart. How far apart (in terms of D) must they be for the force to be 3
times as strong as F?

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17.29 Two unequal charges attract each other with a force F when they are a
distance D apart. How far apart (in terms of D) must they be for the force to be 3
times as strong as F?
kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges Felec 
is D2

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17.29 Two unequal charges attract each other with a force F when they are a
distance D apart. How far apart (in terms of D) must they be for the force to be 3
times as strong as F?
kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges Felec 
is D2

We want the force to be 3 times as strong, so we can set kq q kq q

up the force equation and solve for the new distance. 3  12 2  21 2
D Dnew

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17.29 Two unequal charges attract each other with a force F when they are a
distance D apart. How far apart (in terms of D) must they be for the force to be 3
times as strong as F?
kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges Felec 
is D2

We want the force to be 3 times as strong, so we can set kq q kq q

up the force equation and solve for the new distance. 3  12 2  21 2
D Dnew

2
Canceling and cross-multiplying, we get Dnew  1
3  D2

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17.29 Two unequal charges attract each other with a force F when they are a
distance D apart. How far apart (in terms of D) must they be for the force to be 3
times as strong as F?
kq1q2
The formula for electric force between 2 charges Felec 
is D2

We want the force to be 3 times as strong, so we can set kq q kq q

up the force equation and solve for the new distance. 3  12 2  21 2
D Dnew

2
Canceling and cross-multiplying, we get Dnew  1
3  D2

Square-roots of both sides gives us the answer: Dnew  1

3
D

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

Recall that Newton's 2nd law says that Fnet = ma.

So this is really a problem about the force on the heavier charge.

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

Recall that Newton's 2nd law says that Fnet = ma.

So this is really a problem about the force on the heavier charge.

The formula for electric force between 2 charges is F  kq1q2

elec
d2

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

Recall that Newton's 2nd law says that Fnet = ma.

So this is really a problem about the force on the heavier charge.

The formula for electric force between 2 charges is F  kq1q2

elec
d2
If we want the acceleration to be 1/5 as fast,
we need the force to be 1/5 as strong:

Fnew  1
5
 Fold
kq1q2 kq1q2
2
 1
5 
dnew d2

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

Recall that Newton's 2nd law says that Fnet = ma.

So this is really a problem about the force on the heavier charge.

The formula for electric force between 2 charges is F  kq1q2

elec
d2
If we want the acceleration to be 1/5 as fast,
we need the force to be 1/5 as strong:

Fnew  1
5
 Fold
kq1q2 kq1q2
2
 1
5 
dnew d2

2 2
We cancel common terms and cross-multiply to get dnew  5  d

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17.30 When two unequal point charges are released a distance d from one another,
the heavier one has an acceleration a. If you want to reduce this acceleration to 1/5
of this value, how far (in terms of d) should the charges be released?

Recall that Newton's 2nd law says that Fnet = ma.

So this is really a problem about the force on the heavier charge.

The formula for electric force between 2 charges is F  kq1q2

elec
d2
If we want the acceleration to be 1/5 as fast,
we need the force to be 1/5 as strong:

Fnew  1
5
 Fold
kq1q2 kq1q2
2
 1
5 
dnew d2

2 2
We cancel common terms and cross-multiply to get dnew  5  d

Square-root of both sides: d

new  5 d

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

-4nC +6nC
x
x=0 x=0.8m

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) which direction do the E-field vectors point?

-4nC +6nC
a x
x=0 x=0.8m

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 1050 NC
(0.2m) (0.6m)

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 1050 NC E2
(0.2m) (0.6m)
Q1 = Q2 = E1
-4nC +6nC
For part b) E1 points left and E2 points right b x
x=0 x=0.8m
Etotal  E1  E2

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 1050 NC E2
(0.2m) (0.6m)
Q1 = Q2 = E1
-4nC +6nC
For part b) E1 points left and E2 points right b x
x=0 x=0.8m
Etotal  E1  E2
(9  109 Nm2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm )(6  109 C)
2

C2 C2
Etotal   2
 2
 312.5 NC
(1.2m) (0.4m)

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 1050 NC E2
(0.2m) (0.6m)
Q1 = Q2 = E1
-4nC +6nC
For part b) E1 points left and E2 points right b x
x=0 x=0.8m
Etotal  E1  E2
(9  109 Nm2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm )(6  109 C)
2
E2
C2 C2
Etotal     312.5 NC E1
(1.2m)2 (0.4m)2 Q1 = Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
c
For part b) E1 points right and E2 points left x=0 x=0.8m

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17.41 A point charge of -4 nC is at the origin, and a second point charge of +6 nC
is placed on the x-axis at x=0.8m. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at the following points on the x-axis: a) x=20 cm; b) x=1.20m; c) x= -20cm

The electric field near a single point E  kQ

charge is given by the formula: R2
-4nC +6nC
This is only the magnitude. The direction is away x
from a positive charge, and toward a negative one. x=0 x=0.8m

For part a) both E-field vectors point in the –x direction E2

Call the -4nC charge #1 and the +6nC charge #2 Q1 = E1 Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
a
Etotal  E1  E2 x=0 x=0.8m

(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 1050 NC E2
(0.2m) (0.6m)
Q1 = Q2 = E1
-4nC +6nC
For part b) E1 points left and E2 points right b x
x=0 x=0.8m
Etotal  E1  E2
(9  109 Nm2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm )(6  109 C)
2
E2
C2 C2
Etotal     312.5 NC E1
(1.2m)2 (0.4m)2 Q1 = Q2 =
-4nC +6nC x
c
For part b) E1 points right and E2 points left x=0 x=0.8m
Etotal  E1  E2
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(4  109 C) (9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
Etotal   2
 2
 846 NC Prepared by Vince Zaccone
(0.2m) (1.0m)
For Campus Learning
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17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
y

Part a): TRY DRAWING THE E-

FIELD VECTORS ON THE DIAGRAM 2 1
x

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

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Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
y

E1 E2
Part a): both vectors point away from their charge.
Since the distances and the charges are equal, the 2 1
x
vectors cancel out.

Etotal = 0

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
y

E1 E2
Part a): both vectors point away from their charge.
Since the distances and the charges are equal, the 2 1
x
vectors cancel out.

Etotal = 0

y
Part b): both vectors point away from their charge.

E1

2 1 E2
x

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
y

E1 E2
Part a): both vectors point away from their charge.
Since the distances and the charges are equal, the 2 1
x
vectors cancel out.

Etotal = 0

y
Part b): both vectors point away from their charge.

(9  109 Nm2
)(6  109 C)
E1  C2
2
 2400 NC Positive x-direction E1
(0.15m)
2 1 E2
9 Nm2 9 x
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) Positive x-direction
E2  2
 267 NC
(0.45m)

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
y

E1 E2
Part a): both vectors point away from their charge.
Since the distances and the charges are equal, the 2 1
x
vectors cancel out.

Etotal = 0

y
Part b): both vectors point away from their charge.

(9  109 Nm2
)(6  109 C)
E1  C2
2
 2400 NC Positive x-direction E1
(0.15m)
2 1 E2
9 Nm2 9 x
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) Positive x-direction
E2  2
 267 NC
(0.45m)
Etotal  2400  267  2667 NC

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.

(- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
2 1
x

(0.15,- 0.4)

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.

(- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
2 1
x

(0.15,- 0.4)

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x

(0.15,- 0.4)

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x

(0.15,- 0.4)

E2

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x
The 0.5m in this formula for E2
9 Nm2 9
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) is the distance to charge 2,
0.4m
E2  2
 216 NC using Pythagorean theorem or
(0.5m) from recognizing a 3-4-5 right
triangle when you see it. (0.15,- 0.4)
0.3m
E2

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x
The 0.5m in this formula for E2
9 Nm2 9
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) is the distance to charge 2,
0.4m
E2  2
 216 NC using Pythagorean theorem or
(0.5m) from recognizing a 3-4-5 right
triangle when you see it. (0.15,- 0.4) E2,x
0.3m
E2,y

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x
The 0.5m in this formula for E2
9 Nm2 9
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) is the distance to charge 2,
0.4m
E2  2
 216 NC using Pythagorean theorem or
(0.5m) from recognizing a 3-4-5 right
E2,x  ( 216 N )  ( 3 )  129 .6 N  triangle when you see it. (0.15,- 0.4) E2,x
 C 5 C
  0.3m
E2,y  ( 216 N
C
)  ( 4 )  172 .8 N 
5 C
E2,y

E1,y

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x
The 0.5m in this formula for E2
9 Nm2 9
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) is the distance to charge 2,
0.4m
E2  2
 216 NC using Pythagorean theorem or
(0.5m) from recognizing a 3-4-5 right
E2,x  ( 216 N )  ( 3 )  129 .6 N  triangle when you see it. (0.15,- 0.4) E2,x
 C 5 C
  0.3m
E2,y  ( 216 N
C
)  ( 4 )  172 .8 N 
5 C
E2,y

E1,y
Add together the x-components and the y-components separately:
Etotal,x  0 NC  129.6 NC  129.6 NC
Etotal,y  337.5 NC  172.8 NC  510.3 NC

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part c): both vectors point away from their charge. We y
will need to use vector components to add them together.
(9  109 Nm2
C2
)(6  109 C)
E1  2
 337.5 NC
(0.4m)
E1,x  0 NC  (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
  2 1
E1,y  337.5 NC  x
The 0.5m in this formula for E2
9 Nm2 9
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) is the distance to charge 2,
E2  2
 216 NC using Pythagorean theorem or
(0.5m) from recognizing a 3-4-5 right
E2,x  ( 216 N )  ( 3 )  129 .6 N  triangle when you see it. (0.15,- 0.4)
 C 5 C
 
E2,y  ( 216 N
C
)  ( 4 )  172 .8 N 
5 C 75.7º

Etotal
Add together the x-components and the y-components separately:
Etotal,x  0 NC  129.6 NC  129.6 NC
Etotal,y  337.5 NC  172.8 NC  510.3 NC

Now find the magnitude and the angle using right triangle rules:

Etotal  (129.6)2  (510.3)2  526.5 NC

510.3
tan()     75.7 below  x axis
129.6 Prepared by Vince Zaccone
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17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part d): TRY THIS ONE ON YOUR OWN FIRST...
y

(0,0.2)
(- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
2 1
x

Prepared by Vince Zaccone

For Campus Learning
Assistance Services at UCSB
17.42 A point charge of q=+6 nC is at the point (x=0.15m,y=0m), and an identical
point charge is placed at (-0.15m,0m), as shown.
Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at:
a) the origin (0,0); b) (0.3m,0m); c) (0.15m,-0.4m); d) (0m,0.2m)
Part d): both vectors point away from their charge. We
will need to use vector components to add them together. y
E1 E2
9 Nm2 9 The 0.25m in this formula is the
(9  10 C2
)(6  10 C) distance to each charge using the
E1  2
 864 NC Pythagorean theorem or from
(0.25m) (0,0.2)
recognizing a 3-4-5 right triangle
when you see it. (- 0.15,0) (0.15,0)
E1,x  (864 NC )( 00..15
25 )  518.4 C 
N

 2 1
N x
E1,y  (864 C )( 0.25 )  691.2 C 
N 0.20

From symmetry, we can see that E2 will have

the same components, except for +/- signs.
E2,x  (864 N )( 0.15 )  518.4 N 
 C 0.25 C
 
  N )( 0.20 )  691.2 N
 2,y
E ( 864
C 0.25 C


Now we can add the components

(the x-component should cancel out)
Etotal,x  518.4 NC  518.4 NC  0 NC
Etotal,y  691.2 NC  691.2 NC  1382 .4 NC

The final answer should be 1382.4 N/C in the positive y-direction.

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Assistance Services at UCSB