Three point charges q1, q2, and q3 are situated at three corners of a rectangle

Question

Three point charges q1, q2, and q3 are situated at three corners of a rectangle as shown in the diagram below. Here q1 = +2.00 muC, q2 = -2.00 muC, q3 = +9.00 muC. (a) What is the electric potential at the free corner where there is no charge? What is the electric potential due to a point charge at a particular distance from it? Did you consider the sign of each charge when calculating the electric potential? (b) What charge should be placed at the free corner for the electric potential at the center of the rectangle to be zero? Include both magnitude and sign if applicable. muC

Explanation / Answer

a)

as the potential due to a point charge is given as

V = k * q/d

at the centre of the rectangle ,

distance of centre , d = sqrt(0.05^2 + 0.025^2)/2

d = 0.028 m

Now , potential at the free corner

V = 9*10^9 * 10^-6 *(2/0.0250 - 2/.056 + 9/.05)

V = 2.02 *10^6 V

the potential at the free corner of rectangle is 2.02 *10^6 V

b) for potential to be zero

let the charge is q4

V = 9*10^9 * 10^-6 *(2 - 2 + 9 + q4)/0.028

0 = 2 - 2 + 9 + q4

q4 = -9 uC

a charge of -9 uC must be placed at the free corner

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.