Electro static potential

In summary, the question is whether it is possible to bring a third charge from infinity to a point on the x-axis between two given charges, where the potential is 0. The options provided are x = 0 cm, x = +2 cm, x = +6 cm, and x = +1.5 cm. The equation used is V = kq/r, and the third charge does not affect the potential seen and felt by the third charge. It is not possible to calculate a specific point without knowing the distance between the two given charges.
  • #1
jaejoon89
195
0

Homework Statement



If you bring 2 charges, Q_1 (=+6 micro Coulombs) and Q_2 (= -2 micro Coulombs), from infinity to positions on the x-axis of x = -4 cm and 4 cm, respectively, is it possible to bring a 3rd charge Q_3 ( = +3 micro Coulombs) from infinity to a point on the x-axis between the charges where the potential is 0? If it is possible, where would this be on the x axis?
a) It is not possible.
b) x = 0 cm
c) x = +2 cm
d) x = +6 cm
e) x = +1.5 cm

Homework Equations



V = kq/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Is it asking to find the null V point btwn the 2 charges (regardless of the 3rd charge)? Or the 3-point null?
 
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  • #2
we know there is a point between them with zero potential. what does it mean 'bring from infinity'? is it asking whether there is a line of zero potential extending from the point between them to infinity? or am I making it more complicated than it is?
 
  • #3
I'm not sure. That's just what the question says... Does it depend at all on the third charge?
 
  • #4
no. the potential seen and felt by the third charge is the same as the potential without the third charge.

the third charge would change the overall potential but if it is a point charge then the potential becomes infinite at the position where the charge is at so it can't be asking that.
 
  • #5
r1+r2=8
 
  • #6
if the charges were equal it would be
 

1. What is electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential is the measure of the amount of potential energy an electric charge has at a specific point in space due to the presence of other electric charges.

2. How is electrostatic potential different from electric potential?

Electrostatic potential is a specific type of electric potential that only takes into account stationary electric charges, while electric potential is a more general term that includes both stationary and moving charges.

3. What is the unit of measurement for electrostatic potential?

The unit of measurement for electrostatic potential is volts (V).

4. How is electrostatic potential related to electric fields?

Electrostatic potential is related to electric fields through the equation V = Ed, where V is the electrostatic potential, E is the electric field, and d is the distance between the point in space and the source of the electric field.

5. What are some real-life applications of electrostatic potential?

Some examples of real-life applications of electrostatic potential include electrostatic precipitators used in air pollution control, Van de Graaff generators used in science demonstrations, and the electrostatic force used in photocopiers and laser printers.

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