Electric field vector equation: Finding the neutral point for two charges

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The discussion focuses on the method for finding the neutral point between two electric charges using electric field vectors. The initial question addresses why the textbook approach uses magnitudes before converting to vector form, suggesting a misunderstanding of vector cancellation. Participants clarify that the electric field at a point can be expressed using unit vector notation, and the neutral point must lie along the line connecting the two charges. There is also confusion regarding the direction of position vectors in the electric field equations, with a consensus that the unit vector should point from the charge to the neutral point. Ultimately, the goal is to equate the two electric fields to find the coordinates of the neutral point.
  • #31
And what is the value of ##x## from that equation?
 
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  • #32
tellmesomething said:
Yes $$ \frac {kq} {x²}= \frac {k4q} {(√2-x)²} $$
I get x as ## \frac {√2} {3} ## @kuruman
 
  • #33
kuruman said:
And what is the value of ##x## from that equation?
Further I can multiply this with the unit vector and find the vevtor joining r2 and r3 as well as r3 and r1
 
  • #34
tellmesomething said:
Further I can multiply this with the unit vector and find the vevtor joining r2 and r3 as well as r3 and r1
And from there its easy to find out the position vector r3
 
  • #35
tellmesomething said:
And from there its easy to find out the position vector r3
Go ahead and do it.
 
  • #36
kuruman said:
Go ahead and do it.
Done! Got the answer.
 

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