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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net electric field produced by two fixed charged particles on the x-axis: q1 = 2.1 x 10^-8 C at x = 0.2 m and q2 = -8.4 x 10^-8 C at x = 0.7 m. The equation used for the electric field is E = (8.99 x 10^9)q/r^2. The user initially equated the electric fields from both charges but struggled to solve for the distance r correctly, as they did not account for the different distances from each charge to the point of interest. The correct approach involves recognizing that the distances r in the electric field equations must be distinct and based on their respective positions relative to the point where the net electric field equals zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the concept of point charges
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of electric field direction and superposition principle
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric field superposition in detail
  • Learn how to apply Coulomb's Law to multiple charges
  • Explore the method of finding equilibrium points in electric fields
  • Practice solving problems involving electric fields from point charges
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electric fields and charge interactions.

Oaksmack
Messages
3
Reaction score
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Wait, so one of the r's should be .5m, the distance between the two particles?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K