NOTE: THIS IS THE ANSWER THAT I TURNED IN: \"Since the net zero is in between tw
ID: 2027279 • Letter: N
Question
NOTE: THIS IS THE ANSWER THAT I TURNED IN:
"Since the net zero is in between two charges we can say the sign of the charges are the exact same, so since q1 is positively charged so is q2 , and because the net zero is more near the q2 we can say that the magnitude of the charge is less than q1 = 5 nC so q2 is Positive and less than5 nC"
THE INSTRUCTOR SAID:
"My conclusion is correct but most of your argument is implicit, rather than explicit. It should be made in terms of the electric fields E1 and E2 at P, as outlined in my previous comments. Please don't use the phrase "the net zero"; it has no meaning"
Explanation / Answer
At P, E1 is to the right. In order to get a net electric field EP = 0, then E2 must be to the left so that E2 exactly cancels E1 . Thus, q2 must be positive. The magnitudes of E1 and E2 must be the same in order for them to cancel. Since E1 and E2 are proportional to the magnitude of the charge that produces them, and inversely proportional to the distance, q2 must be smaller than q1 in order to make the magnitudes of the two electric fields equal.
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