IP Two point charges lie on the x axis. A charge of +9.9 | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics with MasteringPhysics

Chapter 19 Problem 33P

Question

Problem 33P

IP Two point charges lie on the x axis. A charge of +9.9 μC is at the origin, and a charge of −5.1 μC is at x = 10.0 cm. (a) At what position x would a third charge q3 be in equilibrium? (b) Does your answer to part (a) depend on whether q3 is positive or negative? Explain.

Solution

Step 1 of 3

(a)

Here we need to calculate the position at which the charge  is at equilibrium between the charges  and separated by a distance .

Let the location of null point be from charge 1, so the distance of null point from charge 2 will be . Also at null point, the net force on charge 3 will be zero.

                                        

To achieve zero net force on charge 3,we need to have forces in opposite direction with equal magnitude,                                 

Using coulomb’s law,

                                        

                                        

        

                                

Subscribe to view the
full solution

Title Physics with MasteringPhysics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321541635

IP Two point charges lie on the x axis. A charge of +9.9

Chapter 19 textbook questions

×

Login

Organize all study tools for free

Or continue with
×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or continue with

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back