Question

Consider a point located equidistant from point charges A and B, labeled C in the diagram. If A and B have the same magnitude charge, and are both negative, which way does the electric field vector point at C?

Answer 1

http://assets.openstudy.com/updates/attachments/5359dc04e4b034b57e1a389b-idkwut-1398397968491-fffffffffffffffff.png

Answer 2

@mathmate @whpalmer4

Answer 3

the vector should point along the perpendicular from the line between A and B to point C, as if a single negative charge was located midway between A and B. the X components of the two field vectors from A and B cancel out, leaving only the y components, which combine constructively. You should be able to figure it out from that...

Answer 4

up?

Answer 5

what field vector does a single negative charge produce?

Answer 6

isolated negative charge?

Answer 7

aren't A and B isolated negative charges? If you just had A there at the point directly above C, and B was no where to be seen, what would the field vector be at C? the combination of A and B will give you the same field vector, except a larger magnitude.

Answer 8

sorry, I have to run...

Answer 9

@DBoome

Answer 10

would it be down?

Answer 11

@TheSmartOne

Answer 12

It's upwards because field vectors points towards negative source and the horizontal component of the vector which is contributed by A cancels out with the horizontal component of the vector which is contributed by B due to symmetry.

Answer 13

Perhaps not worded brilliantly but I hope you get the point :P

Answer 14

alright thank you very much