Net Electric Field of 2 charged particles fixed to X-axis

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the coordinate on the x-axis where the net electric field produced by two particles is equal to 0. The formula for electric field is given, and the process of solving for the distance between the particles is explained. The key is to include the distance between the particles in the equation.
  • #1
Oaksmack
3
0
2 Particles are fixed to an x-axis:
q1=2.1*10^-8 C @ x=.2m
q2=-4.00q1 @ x=.7m

We are trying to find the coordinate on the x-axis where the net electric field produced by the particles = 0.
The equation I have is

E=((8.99*10^9)q)/r^2

I got what i thought was q2 first, by multiplying 2.1*10^-8 by -4.00 to get -8.4*10^-8. From there I equated E1 & E2:
((8.99*10^9)(2.1*10^-8))/r^2 = ((8.99*10^9)(-8.4*10^-8))/r^2
from there, I had no idea how to solve for r.
I simplified the constant 8.99*10^9 with the respective q's, but just couldn't figure out how to solve for r without it canceling into 1 and having two numbers equaling each other. :confused:
Please help, I have a number of problems like this to do for this chapter.
 
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  • #2
Almost correct except [tex]r[/tex] in your equation
[tex]r[/tex] is a distance from the charge you are considering. So each [tex]r[/tex] on the left side and right side of your equation should not be equal. One should be include the distance between two point charges.
 
  • #3
Wait, so one of the r's should be .5m, the distance between the two particles?
 

FAQ: Net Electric Field of 2 charged particles fixed to X-axis

1. What is the formula for calculating the net electric field of two charged particles fixed to the X-axis?

The formula for calculating the net electric field of two charged particles fixed to the X-axis is E = (k*q1)/r1^2 + (k*q2)/r2^2, where E is the net electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the particles, and r1 and r2 are the distances from the particles to the point where the electric field is being measured.

2. What does the net electric field of two charged particles fixed to the X-axis depend on?

The net electric field of two charged particles fixed to the X-axis depends on the charges of the particles, their distances from the point where the electric field is being measured, and the Coulomb's constant.

3. How does the direction of the net electric field change if the charges of the particles have the same sign?

If the charges of the particles have the same sign, the net electric field will point away from both particles, in the direction of the positive charges.

4. What happens to the net electric field if one of the particles has a larger charge than the other?

If one of the particles has a larger charge than the other, the net electric field will be greater in the direction of the particle with the larger charge. However, the direction of the electric field will still be away from both particles.

5. Can the net electric field ever be zero for two charged particles fixed to the X-axis?

Yes, the net electric field can be zero for two charged particles fixed to the X-axis if the charges of the particles are equal and opposite in sign, and they are placed at equal distances from the point where the electric field is being measured.

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