In: Physics
Two point charges lie on the x axis. A charge of + 2.50 pC is at the origin, and a charge of − 4.70 pC is at x=−12.0cm. What third charge should be placed at x=+24cm so that the total electric field at x=+12.0cm is zero?
Note: Initially direction of E3 is unknown
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Electric field direction is radially outwards for positive charges and radially inwards for negative charges.
The sign of the third charge is not given, so let's ignore the electric field due to the third charge for now.
Consider the net electric field due to charges q1 and q2
Net electric field,
The net electric field is positive, so electric field direction is towards the right.(E1 > E2)
So the electric field from charge q3 must be towards left
And only a positive charge will have electric field towards left (since charge is placed to the right of the point x=12cm)
Charge q3 is Positive
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Net electric field at x=12cm,
ANSWER:
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