Electric fields two point charges

In summary, the conversation discusses a homework question about locating the point where the electric field due to two point charges (q1 = -6q and q2 = +3q) is zero. The person attempts to solve the problem using the equation E=kQ/x^2 but is not sure about the correct answer and asks for help. They receive feedback that there is only one point where the charges cancel each other out, but they need to make sure that they are measuring the distance from the correct origin.
  • #1
mussgo
14
0
i just need to get this question over with
i tried and tried but i couldn't get the right answer plss anyone u.u

1. Homework Statement

point charges q1 = -6q and q2 = +3q are separated by distance d. Locate the point (measured from the origin at q1) at which the electric field due to the two charges is zero.
<img src=http://www.webassign.net/hrw/23_30.gif>



2. Homework Equations
E=kQ/x^2


3. The Attempt at a Solution

well i did 0= E1+E2

i got this

0 = 3kQ/x^2 - 6kQ/(x+d)^2

6kQ/(x+d)^2 = 3kQ/x^2

cross multiplied

2x^2 = x^2 + 2dx + d^2

x^2 - 2dx - d^2 = 0

and then i did quadratic formula and got d-+d(sqrt2)
like 2.414d and .414 but as i put them in the webassign i got em wrong
can anyone help or tell what i did wrong or any feedback would be apreciated u.u
 
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  • #2
There is only one point where the charges cancel each other out. It is one of the two you have calculated for, but only one has the E field vectors pointing opposite directions, which give a net charge of zero.
 
  • #3
but something must be wrong because like i said earlier
the webassign says its wrong :S u___U
 
  • #4
> point charges q1 = -6q and q2 = +3q are separated by distance d. Locate the point (measured from the origin at q1) at which the electric field due to the two charges is zero.

> got this

0 = 3kQ/x^2 - 6kQ/(x+d)^2


You origin is given at q1 = 6q, but you are measuring x from the other charge.
 
  • #5
true :O
im going to try it
and see what comes out :O
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the influence of an electric charge on other charges in its vicinity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How are electric fields created by two point charges?

Electric fields are created by two point charges by the Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

3. How do the direction and strength of an electric field change with distance?

The direction of an electric field is always away from positive charges and towards negative charges. The strength of an electric field decreases with distance from the charges, following the inverse square law.

4. What is the relationship between electric fields and electric potential?

Electric potential is the measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. The direction of electric field is always in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

5. How can the net electric field be calculated for two point charges?

The net electric field for two point charges can be calculated by vector addition, where the individual electric fields at a point are added together to find the resultant electric field at that point. The direction of the net electric field is determined by the direction of the resultant vector.

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