A point object with a positive charge +Q is placed on the x-axis at x = –d. A se

Question

A point object with a positive charge +Q is placed on the x-axis at x = –d. A second point object with a charge of magnitude 16Q is placed at an unknown location on the x-axis. The net electric field at the origin due to the charges has a magnitude of E = 2kQ/d 2. Determine the location and sign of the second charge.

I don't know where to start becuase i think there are different answers to this.

Explanation / Answer

yes there are two different answers possible becuase the direction of the net field is not specified Electric field at a point P at a distance of r from q is given by E = kq/r^2 now E at origin due to Q is E1 = kQ/d^2 towards right let 16Q be at a distance of r from origin => E2 = 16kQ/r^2 => 2kQ/d^2 = kQ/d^2 + 16kQ/r^2 => 1/16 = 1/r^2 => r = +4 or -4 CASE I : if 16Q is positive charge then r =+4 .then Enet is towards right CASE II : if 16Q is negative then r=-4. Enet is towards left

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