Question

What does the symbol \[\hat{\mathbf{r}}_{iP}\] represent in the electric field formula?

Options

• The magnitude of the distance from q_i to point P

• The charge q_i itself

• Unit vector directed from charge qi toward point P

• The permittivity of free space

Answer 1

The symbol \[\hat{\mathbf{r}}_{iP}\] is a unit vector that specifies the direction of the electric field contribution from charge qi at point P. It points from the charge toward the point of interest and ensures that the direction of the field is properly accounted for in the vector sum.