Superposition principle
This topic covers the Superposition Principle
The Main Idea
The net electric field due to two or more charges is the vector sum of each field due to each individual charge. This not only applies to Electric Fields, but Magnetic Fields as well. It is important to note that in the superposition principle, the electric field caused by a charge is not affected by the presence of other charges.
- [math]\displaystyle{ F(x_1+x_2)=F(x_1)+F(x_2) \, }[/math]Additivity
- [math]\displaystyle{ F(a x)=a F(x) \, }[/math] Homogeneity
A Computational Model
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript
Examples
Simple
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This picture shows the electric field at the location of q3. Note that the Electric Fields of both q1 and q2 were both calculated individually (but do not react because of one another) and summed up to get the net electric field
Middling
Difficult
Connectedness
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History
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See also
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Further reading
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External links
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References
Chabay, Ruth W.; Sherwood, Bruce A. (2014-12-23). Matter and Interactions, 4th Edition: 1-2 (Page 522). Wiley. Kindle Edition.