Electric field strength at a point due to 3 charges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the charge needed to make the electric field zero at a specific point due to three charges: +q, -3q, and a new charge at 2x. The original poster presents their calculations and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to balance the electric fields from the three charges using the equation for electric field strength. Some participants suggest verifying the steps taken, particularly regarding the absence of the variable x and the sign choices in the calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations presented, with some participants affirming the original poster's answer while others encourage a more detailed breakdown of the reasoning involved. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of a definitive answer to the question, which contributes to their uncertainty about the correctness of their solution.

Tesla In Person
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Homework Statement
Find the value of the charge placed at the point that makes the electric field 0.
Relevant Equations
Electric field: Kq /r^2
I got E. 13q as the answer. That is what i did: The electric field due to +q at origin 0 should equal the electric fields of charges -3q and the new charge placed at 2x. So applying the equation above like this; k*(q) / (2^2) = -3q*k + (k*C)/ 4 solving for C the new charge added, gives 13q. I don't know if it's correct because i don't have the answer to this question . Can you please check my working thanks.
 

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Tesla In Person said:
Homework Statement:: Find the value of the charge placed at the point that makes the electric field 0.
Relevant Equations:: Electric field: Kq /r^2

I got E. 13q as the answer. That is what i did: The electric field due to +q at origin 0 should equal the electric fields of charges -3q and the new charge placed at 2x. So applying the equation above like this; k*(q) / (2^2) = -3q*k + (k*C)/ 4 solving for C the new charge added, gives 13q. I don't know if it's correct because i don't have the answer to this question . Can you please check my working thanks.
I think your answer is correct.
 
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In order to make it easier for someone to follow your solution, you could show more steps. In particular, show why x does not appear in your equation and explain the choice of signs for the terms in your equation.
 
TSny said:
I think your answer is correct.
It must be if it really is "Tesla".
 
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