Answer:
1.2 μC
Step-by-step explanation:
We can use Coulomb's law to solve for the magnitude of the source charge. Coulomb's law states that the electric field generated by a point charge q at a distance r from the charge is given by:
E = k * (q / r^2)
where E is the electric field, k is Coulomb's constant (k = 8.99 × 10^9 N m^2 / C^2), q is the magnitude of the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.
In this problem, we are given the electric field E and the distance r, and we need to solve for q. Rearranging Coulomb's law, we get:
q = E * r^2 / k
Substituting the given values, we get:
q = (4286 N/C) * (2.5 m)^2 / (8.99 × 10^9 N m^2 / C^2) = 1.2 × 10^-6 C
Therefore, the magnitude of the source charge is 1.2 μC.
So, the answer is 1.2 μC.