The problem involves determining the neutral point between two charges, q1=+9c and q2=-1c, which are separated by a distance of 2m. Participants are exploring the implications of electric field directions and the mathematical relationships involved in finding the neutral point.
The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the electric field behavior and attempting to simplify the equations. There is a focus on deriving a quadratic equation from the established relationships, and some participants are sharing their results and reasoning without reaching a definitive conclusion.
Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide to one another. The problem setup and the values of the charges are central to the discussion, and there is an ongoing examination of the assumptions made regarding the electric fields.
Doesn't the electric field vector point away from a positive charge and towards a negative charge?kspabo said:Homework Statement
Two charges q1=+9c and q2+-1c are separated by 2m. Where is their neutral point?
Homework Equations
E = E(+) + E(-)
E= k q/r^2
The Attempt at a Solution
k q1/(2+x)^2 = -(k q2/x^2)
When I solve for this equation I end up square rooting a negative number which would then give i and I don't know how to work with this.
Correct. So the positive field flows right towards the negative which continues a field to the right. I'm looking for the neutral point nearest the negative charge. How can I use this info to solve this if q1 is at 0 and q2 is at x=2?SammyS said:Doesn't the electric field vector point away from a positive charge and towards a negative charge?
If so, the sign you use for the field from each of your charges depends upon the position relative to the charges.
Show what you get when you put values for charge into the following and do a little simplifying.kspabo said:Correct. So the positive field flows right towards the negative which continues a field to the right. I'm looking for the neutral point nearest the negative charge. How can I use this info to solve this if q1 is at 0 and q2 is at x=2?
kspabo said:k q1/(2+x)^2 = -(k q2/x^2)
SammyS said:Show what you get when you put values for charge into the following and do a little simplifying.Also,
What is the quadratic equation you get?