Two charges +q and –3q are separated by a distance of 1 m. At what point in between the charges on its axis is the potential zero?
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Let's assume that the point in between the point charges is at a distance X metres from the +q charge and (1 - X) metres from the -3q charge.
Potential at a distance from a point charge is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge, with its sign and it is inversely proportional to the distance of the point from the charge.
Thus,
V (Potential)
Q (Charge)
R (Distance)
Are related as follows:
V = (kQ)/R
Where k is a constant whose value is approximately 9 × 10^9. However this value is not required in this question.
V1 is the potential due to the +q charge and V2 is the potential due to the -3q charge.
V1 + V2 = 0 (Given in the question)
Thus X is 1/4 m or 25 cm
Hence the answer is 25 cm from the +q charge and 75 cm from the -3q charge on the line connecting the two charges. At this point the potential due to the two charges is zero.
Let's assume that the point in between the point charges is at a distance X metres from the +q charge and (1 - X) metres from the -3q charge.
Potential at a distance from a point charge is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge, with its sign and it is inversely proportional to the distance of the point from the charge.
Thus,
V (Potential)
Q (Charge)
R (Distance)
Are related as follows:
V = (kQ)/R
Where k is a constant whose value is approximately 9 × 10^9. However this value is not required in this question.
V1 is the potential due to the +q charge and V2 is the potential due to the -3q charge.
V1 + V2 = 0 (Given in the question)
Thus X is 1/4 m or 25 cm
Hence the answer is 25 cm from the +q charge and 75 cm from the -3q charge on the line connecting the two charges. At this point the potential due to the two charges is zero.
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