How Do You Calculate Equilibrium Position Between Charges Using Coulomb's Law?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the equilibrium position between two charges using Coulomb's Law, start by identifying the charges involved: +2.0 nC and +8.0 nC, separated by 36.0 cm. Define the distance from the first charge as "x" for the -2.0 nC charge. Use the formula for electric force, F = k * |q1 * q2| / r^2, to determine the forces acting on the -2.0 nC charge from both positive charges. The equilibrium position occurs when these forces are equal and opposite, allowing for the calculation of "x" where this balance is achieved. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving similar physics problems.
charliexx09
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Coloumbs Law & Charges. Please help! :(

Homework Statement



A charge of +2.0 nC and a charge of +8.0 nC are separated by 36.0 cm. Find the equilibrium position for a −2.0 nC charge as a distance from the first charge. Answer in units of cm

Homework Equations



q/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea how to even start. We just started learning about charged in physics and our teacher hasn't taught us a whole lot (yet we still have to do this homework by ourselves). I just need to understand how to do these problems, and any help would be more than appreciated. Thank you so much and I apologize for not having more information to give!
 
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hi charliexx09! :wink:
charliexx09 said:
A charge of +2.0 nC and a charge of +8.0 nC are separated by 36.0 cm. Find the equilibrium position for a −2.0 nC charge as a distance from the first charge. Answer in units of cm
…
q/r^2

call the distance from the first charge "x"

use your formula to find the strength and direction of the forces from each charge

then for what value of x are those two forces equal and opposite? :smile:​
 
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