Question

charges 2e, e, -2e lie at three of four corners of a square as shown what can we conclude about the x- and y- components of the electric field at point p the corner with no charge

Answer 1

To determine the x- and y-components of the electric field at point P (the corner with no charge) in a square with charges at three other corners, we can apply the superposition principle. By considering the contributions of each individual charge, we can calculate the electric field and sum them up to obtain the total electric field at point P.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electric field at point P can be determined by considering the superposition principle. Since the charges at three corners of the square have different magnitudes, we need to calculate the electric field contribution from each charge individually and then sum them up. Let's assume the distance between the charged corners and point P is r.

1. For the 2e charge: The electric field at P due to this charge is given by E1 = k * (2e) / r2.
2. For the e charge: The electric field at P due to this charge is given by E2 = k * e / r2.
3. For the -2e charge: The electric field at P due to this charge is given by E3 = -k * (2e) / r2 (the negative sign indicates that the field points in the opposite direction).

To determine the total electric field at point P, we add the contributions from each charge: ETotal = E1 + E2 + E3. The x- and y-components of the electric field at point P can then be determined by breaking down the total electric field using vector components.