An electric point charge of Q1 = 7.85 nC is placed at the origin of the real axi

Question

An electric point charge of Q1 = 7.85 nC is placed at the origin of the real axis. Another point charge of Q2 = 3.83 nC is placed at a position of p = 3.99 m on the real axis. At which position can a third point charge of q = -7.31 nC be placed so that the net electrostatic force on it is zero? Let the sign of Q2 be changed from positive to negative. At which position can the point charge q be placed now so that the net electrostatic force on it is zero?

Explanation / Answer

Let we place it at x m on real axis. Then kQ1q/x^2 = kQ2q/(3.99-x)^2 =>7.85/x^2 = 3.83/(3.99-x)^2 =>3.99-x = 0.698497022x, 3.99-x = -0.698497022x =>x = 2.349135706m,13.23370011m But x cannot be 13.23370011m as it has to be greater than 0 and less than 3.99m Therefore x=2.349135706m Even If we change the sign, we have to place it at x = 2.349135706m so that the net electrostatic force on it is zero.

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