Problem 1. A charge of +1mu C sits at the origin, and a charge of - 2mu C sits o

Question

Problem 1. A charge of +1mu C sits at the origin, and a charge of - 2mu C sits on the x - axis at x = 10mm. Calculate (a) the electric field at the position of the +1mu C charge due to the - 2mu C charge (remember electric field is a vector), (b) the electric force on the +1 mu C charge (force is also a vector), (c) the electric force on the - 2mu C charge, (d) the electric potential in the middle of the two charges (potential is not a vector). (e) the electric potential energy of the two charges. (f) Where on the x - axis is the electric potential zero (besides +infinity or - infinity)?

Explanation / Answer

q1 =1 uC
q2 = -2 uC

(a) E = k q2/r^2
E = 8.9 * 10^9 * 2 * 10^-6 / (10* 10^-3)^2 i N/C
E = 1.78 * 10^8 i N/C
Electric field at the position of 1uC charge due to -2uC charge is E = 1.78 * 10^8 i N/C

(b)
Force on the 1uC Charge = q *E
F= 1 * 10^-6 * 1.78 * 10^8 i N/C
F = 1.78 * 10^2 i N
F = 178 i N
Force on the 1uC Charge =  178 i N

(c)
The Magnitude of force will be same on the -2uC Charge , but it will act in the oppsoite direction.
Force on the -2uC Charge = - 178 i N

(d)
Electric Potential = K *q1/r + k *q2/r
Electric Potential = 8.9*10^9 *1*10^-6/5*10^-3 - 8.9*10^9 *2*10^-6/5*10^-3
Electric Potential = -1.78 * 10^6 J/C

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