Electric Field: Opposite Charges for Zero Net Field

In summary, for the electric field to be zero at a point not between two point charges, the charges must be oppositely charged and the point must be closer to the smaller charge.
  • #1
Ephysics
3
0

Homework Statement


Two point charges of unknown magnitude and sign are places at some distance apart. The electric field is zero at a point not between them , but on the line joining the. Write 2 essential conditions for this to happen.

Homework Equations


E = q1*q2/(4 * pi * epsilon0 * r2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the net field is zero at a point outside the line joining the 2 charges ,
they should be oppositely charged.

So, condition one:
The charges should be oppositely charged .

What would be the second condition?

Any help would be highly appreciated.
Thank You.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The point should be nearer to the smaller charge.
 
  • #3
Ephysics said:
So, condition one:
The charges should be oppositely charged .

What would be the second condition?

Any help would be highly appreciated.
Thank You.

Hint: try finding the location of zero electric field when the charges are +1 C and -1 C, and 1 m apart.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electrically charged particle experiences a force. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How are electric fields created?

Electric fields are created by electric charges. Positive charges create electric fields that point away from them, while negative charges create electric fields that point towards them. The strength of the electric field decreases with distance from the charge.

3. How do opposite charges create a zero net electric field?

Opposite charges create a zero net electric field when they are placed at equal distances from a point in space. This is because the electric fields created by the two charges cancel each other out, resulting in a net electric field of zero at that point.

4. What is the significance of a zero net electric field?

A zero net electric field means that there is no force acting on a charge at that point in space. This is important in understanding the behavior of electrically charged particles and the movement of electric current.

5. How does the distance between opposite charges affect the strength of the electric field?

The strength of the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between opposite charges. This means that as the distance increases, the strength of the electric field decreases. Therefore, the closer the charges are to each other, the stronger the electric field will be.

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