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Q. 8

Expert-verified
Found in: Page 737

### Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics

Book edition 4th
Author(s) Randall D. Knight
Pages 1240 pages
ISBN 9780133942651

# What are the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the dot in Figure EX26.8?

The magnitude is and direction of the electric field is with the -axis.

See the step by step solution

## Step 1 : Given information and formula used

Given figure :

Theory used :

The electric field is directed towards the decreasing potential and has a magnitude equal to the rate of change of the potential.

The electric field will be equal to the potential difference divided by the distance between these potentials. That is to say,

## Step 2 : Determining the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the dot in the figure

The electric field strength will have a Magnitude of because the potential difference reduces by over a distance of

The field will be oriented in such a way that the potential will drop in that direction.

It is evident from the diagram that this occurs in the direction perpendicular to the dotted lines, which is to the left and below. This direction is:

Normalizing when expressed vectorially,

So, the direction is with the -axis.