Electrical Force At Equilibrium

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two known charges, -10.4 µC and 46.4 µC, placed on the x-axis, with the goal of finding the location and magnitude of an unknown charge that achieves equilibrium. Initially, a participant calculated the unknown charge's position as -0.0497 cm, which was incorrect according to webassign. After further analysis and assistance from another user, the correct solution was determined to be at -14 cm with a magnitude of 37.44 µC. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration in solving complex physics problems. The final answer demonstrates the successful application of electric force concepts to achieve equilibrium.
zakaqel
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This a problem which was assigned using webassign:


Two known charges, -10.4 µC and 46.4 µC, and an unknown charge are located on the x axis. The charge -10.4 µC is at the origin, and the charge 46.4 µC is at x = 15.6 cm. The unknown charge is to be placed so that each charge is in equilibrium under the action of the electric forces exerted by the other two charges. Find the required location and magnitude of the unknown charge.

I got -0.0497 cm for part 1 of the question(which webassign says is wrong). I don't know how to answer part two the question.
 
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zakaqel said:
Two known charges, -10.4 µC and 46.4 µC, and an unknown charge are located on the x axis. The charge -10.4 µC is at the origin, and the charge 46.4 µC is at x = 15.6 cm. The unknown charge is to be placed so that each charge is in equilibrium under the action of the electric forces exerted by the other two charges. Find the required location and magnitude of the unknown charge.

I got -0.0497 cm for part 1 of the question(which webassign says is wrong).

Hi zakaqel! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Show us how you got -0.0497 cm, and then we can see where you went wrong. :wink:
 
Thank you tiny-tim. I actually ended up solving the problem. The answer is -14 cm and the charge is 37.44 uc.
 

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