Zero point in the electric field

In this case, the ratio of x2 to x1 is -1/3, which is the inverse of the ratio of the charges (3/-1). In summary, for the electric field to be zero at x=0, the ratio of the x coordinates for charges Q1 and Q2 should be the inverse of the ratio of their charges.
  • #1
Colts
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Homework Statement



Find positions on the x-axis for the charges Q1 = -1 C and Q2 = +3 C so that the electric field is zero at x = 0.

Homework Equations



F=Eq
where E=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I put q1 and q2 1 meter apart and then found where a third charge would go so the third charge would have a force of zero. My answer for the question is q2 at x=-2.366 and q1 at x=-1.366. Is this right?
 
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  • #2
Colts said:

Homework Statement



Find positions on the x-axis for the charges Q1 = -1 C and Q2 = +3 C so that the electric field is zero at x = 0.

Homework Equations



F=Eq
where E=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I put q1 and q2 1 meter apart and then found where a third charge would go so the third charge would have a force of zero. My answer for the question is q2 at x=-2.366 and q1 at x=-1.366. Is this right?
Yes, that is one possible answer. (There are an infinite number of sets of possible answers.)

The important thing is the ratio of the two x coordinates.
 

FAQ: Zero point in the electric field

What is the zero point in the electric field?

The zero point in the electric field refers to a point in space where the electric field strength is equal to zero. This means that there is no force acting on a charged particle at this point.

How is the zero point in the electric field determined?

The zero point in the electric field is determined by calculating the net electric field strength at different points in space. When the net electric field strength is equal to zero, that point is considered the zero point.

What is the significance of the zero point in the electric field?

The zero point in the electric field is significant because it is where the electric field strength is at its minimum. This means that charged particles at this point will experience no force, making it an important reference point in understanding and analyzing electric field behavior.

Can the zero point in the electric field change?

Yes, the zero point in the electric field can change depending on the distribution of charges and the distance between them. As the positions of charges change, the electric field strength at different points in space will also change, potentially resulting in a new zero point.

How does the zero point in the electric field relate to electric potential?

The zero point in the electric field is directly related to the electric potential. At the zero point, the electric potential is also equal to zero. This means that there is no difference in potential energy between the zero point and infinity, where potential energy is typically defined as zero.

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