In: Physics
A +2.00 nC point charge and -3.00 nC point charge are placed along the x-axis at x = 1.0 m and x = 2.0 m, respectively. Where must a third charge, q, be placed along the x-axis so that it does not experience any net electric force due to the other two charges
Given q1 = +2nC = 2 x 10^-9C and q2 = -3nC = -3 x 10^-9C and the distance between q1 and q2 is d = (2 - 1) = 1m. Since q3 = q is a positive charge, q3 should not be placed in-between q1 and q2 for making the net force zero. To make the net electric force zero q3 must be placed near to the charge having lower magnitude. Let q3 be at a distance x from q1 and at a distance (d + x) from q2.
The force acting on q3 due to q1 is,
The force acting on q3 due to q2 is,
Now, q3 experience no electric force, then
So q3 should be 4.41m to the left of q1. So q1 shoild be placed at x = -3.41m.