Finding the Charge on an Ion in a Zero Electric Field

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SUMMARY

The charge on the ion located at x1 = 6 nm in a zero electric field at x2 = -3 nm is conclusively determined to be -9e. This conclusion arises from the proximity of the proton at the origin, which is three times closer to the zero electric field point, leading to a squared factor of 3^2 = 9 in the charge calculation. Initial calculations mistakenly yielded -2e, but upon reevaluation, the correct charge was confirmed as -9e.

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  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law
  • Basic knowledge of charge quantization
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
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  • Learn about charge quantization and the significance of elementary charge (e)
  • Explore the concept of electric field superposition
  • Review problems involving multiple charges and their effects on electric fields
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Homework Statement


A proton is at the origin and an ion is at x1 = 6 nm
If the electric field is zero at x2 = -3 nm , what is the charge on the ion?

Homework Equations


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for ion

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The Attempt at a Solution



https://imgur.com/ryyuQBq

I just have used all my attempts besides one. So I believe I keep getting the right answer just not in terms of e. Cause I keep getting 3.6x10^-19 which when you divide by 1.602 I get the same answer of -2e.

Can anyone confirm this?

Now that I redid the math Looks like I made a input error the actual answer is -9e ?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
-9e is correct. The proton is three times closer and ##3^2=9##.
 

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