Electric fields equalling zero

AI Thread Summary
To find the point where the total electric field from two charges Q1 and Q2 is zero, one must consider their signs and distances. If the charges are like, the zero field point lies between them, while if they are opposite, it will be outside, closer to the weaker charge. The distances from this point to each charge can be expressed in terms of each other, noting that they will not be equal unless the charges are identical. The electric field contributions should be calculated using Coulomb's law, ensuring to consider both the magnitudes and directions of the fields. Properly setting up the equations is crucial for accurately determining the position where the net electric field equals zero.
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Trying to work this one out.
If you have two charges Q1 and Q2 separated by a distance of x then how do you show what distance from the charge Q1 is the total electric from the two charges zero.

I know that Enet =E1 +E2 and if i use coulombs law i get:
KQ1/x^2 +KQ2/x^2
the K cancles and you get Q1/x^2 + Q2/x^2 = 0 but that doest seeem right. anyone with any ideas?
 
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Are the charges like or opposite in sign? If theyre like in sign, the point will be inbetween them, but if theyre opposite in sign, the point will be outside and closer to the weaker charge.

Lets say the charges are like. That means that the distance from the spot to one charge + the distance from the spot to the other charge = x. The trick is to write one distance in terms of the other. The point will not be rigt inbetween the 2 unless the charges are equal, and then its not much of a question.

Now let's say the charges are opposite, one charge will be a distance r from the point and the second charge will be a distance r + x
 
both charges are positive
 
I know that Enet =E1 +E2 and if i use coulombs law i get:
KQ1/x^2 +KQ2/x^2
You didn't add forces here: you merely added their magnitudes.
 
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