Electrostatic Potencial Problem

[loba333]

Homework Statement

Here is the problem :
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb327/loba333/untitled.jpg
ill write it out again aswell
A particle with charge +9 μC is placed at the origin, and another particle of charge –2 μC is at x = L. At what two points is the net electrostatic potential equal to zero?

Homework Equations

V=KQ/r

The Attempt at a Solution

I could understand if they were the same sign charges then there would be an area of 0 field strength.
Could someone please explain to me what's going on and how to solve it.

Cheers

 

[gneill]

The charges have opposite polarity, what more could you want?

 

[loba333]

The charges have opposite polarity, what more could you want?

sorry i ment same sign charges

 

[ehild]

Both charges have their own electric fields, and their potentials add up. One is negative, the other is positive, and their magnitudes are the same at certain points. Choose the point at x. What is the distance of the selected point from the negative charge when x<L and what is it when x>L? What are the potentials?

ehild

 

[rwisz]

I would first clarify the problem by asking for more information such as the distance between the two particles and the units for the charges. Then, I would analyze the problem by using the given information and the relevant equations, such as Coulomb's law for electrostatic potential. I would also consider the concept of superposition, which states that the total potential at a point due to multiple charges is the sum of the potentials due to each individual charge.

Based on the given information, I would set up an equation to represent the net electrostatic potential at a point between the two particles. Since the net potential is equal to zero at two points, I would set the equation equal to zero and solve for the distance between the two points. This distance would be the distance between the two points where the net potential is zero.

I would also consider the direction of the electric field at these two points. If the electric fields due to the two charges are in opposite directions, then the net potential would be zero at those points. However, if the electric fields are in the same direction, then the net potential would not be zero at those points. This could also be a factor in determining the correct solution.

In summary, as a scientist, I would approach this problem by analyzing the given information, using relevant equations, and considering the concept of superposition to find the distance between the two points where the net electrostatic potential is equal to zero.