Electricity and charge question, equilibrium, help

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the placement of a charge of -2q in relation to two other charges, q and 3q, fixed at specific coordinates. The objective is to determine the position for equilibrium and assess the stability of that equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the positioning of the -2q charge, with some suggesting it should be placed between the other two charges due to its negative nature. Questions arise regarding the implications of its position relative to the line joining the other charges.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the necessary conditions for equilibrium and questioning the significance of the charge's position. Some guidance has been offered regarding the placement of the -2q charge, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about charge interactions and equilibrium conditions without providing definitive solutions or methods.

briteliner
Messages
62
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



a charge of q is fixed on a plane at the origin of an xy coordinate system and a charge 3q is fixed at (3cm, -3cm). where must a charge of -2q be placed at rest for it to be in equilibrium so that it remains at rest? is the equilibrium stable?

Homework Equations



coulomb's law

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

briteliner said:
a charge of q is fixed on a plane at the origin of an xy coordinate system and a charge 3q is fixed at (3cm, -3cm). where must a charge of -2q be placed at rest for it to be in equilibrium so that it remains at rest? is the equilibrium stable?

Hi briteliner! Welcome to PF! :smile:

How far have you got?

Can you work out what line it must be on, and whether it's between or outside the charges? :smile:
 
i don't really know where to start, all i know is that since the -2q charge is negative it should be in between the charges. i think?
 
briteliner said:
i don't really know where to start, all i know is that since the -2q charge is negative it should be in between the charges. i think?

Hi briteliner! :smile:

Yes, it is repelled by both the other charges, and so it must be between them.

ok … there's a line joining the two other charges … which side of that line must the third charge be on? :smile:
 
why would it make a difference which side it is on?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K