Electric Potential (I think I'm close?)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the points on the y-axis where the electric potential is zero due to two charges: a -3.2 nC charge at x = -9 cm and a 14.6 nC charge at x = 16 cm. The equation used is (1/4*pi*epsilon_0)*[(q1/r^2) + (q2/r^2)] = 0V, leading to the equation 3.2*sqrt((16 cm)^2 + y^2) = 14.6*sqrt((-9 cm)^2 + y^2). The user arrives at y = +/- 8.5 cm but questions the correctness of this solution, particularly regarding the squaring of negative values.

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Homework Statement


A -3.2 { nC} charge is on the x-axis at x_1 = -9 {cm} and a 14.6 {nC} charge is on the x-axis at x_2 = 16 {cm}.

***At what point or points on the y-axis is the electric potential zero?


Homework Equations


(1/4*pi*epsilon_0)*[(q1/r2) + (q2/r2)] = 0V


The Attempt at a Solution



The way I've tried solving it is by setting (q1/r2) = (q2/r2)
So 3.2*sqrt((16 cm)^2 + y^2) = 14.6*sqrt((-9 cm)^2 + y^2)
Eventually getting -14644.52 = 202.92 y^2
And y = +/- 8.5

Unfortunately this answer isn't being marked as correct. Does anyone see something wrong with the way I'm trying to solve this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What happens when you square -9?

Hint: [tex](y-y_0)^2[/tex]
 

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