Where on the X-Axis is the Net Electric Force Zero?

In summary, there are three electric charges located at the origin and on the x-axis, with a third charge between the other two. The net electric force is zero at a distance x on the x-axis, which can be calculated using the standard formula for solving a quadratic equation.
  • #1
Zackkkkkk
4
0
1.An electric charge q1 (-e) is located at the origin. A second electric charge q2 (-4e) is located at a distance d from the origin on the x-axis. A third charge q3 (+e) is located a distance x, which is less than d, on the x-axis between q1 and q2. In terms of d, what is the distance x where the net electric force is zero?

2. I just need a pretty thorough explanation. Not a broken stream of steps.F = F1 - F2
F = 0
then
F1 = F2
kq1q3 / x^2 = kq2q3 / (d-x)^2
q1 / x^2 = q2 / (d-x)^2
(d-x)^2 - (q2/q1)x^2 = 0
...

I've made it as far as this and then asked for help on another site. Someone responded with the following:

F = F1 - F2 [forces are opposite]
F = 0
then
F1 = F2
kq1q3 / x^2 = kq2q3 / (d-x)^2
q1 / x^2 = q2 / (d-x)^2
(d-x)^2 - (q2/q1)x^2 = 0
(1-q2/q1)x^2 -2dx + d^2 = 0
-3x^2 -2dx + d^2 = 0
x = [2d +- (4d^2 - 12d^2)^1/2] / (-6)
x = d/3

I have no clue what he/she did after line 9 (-3x^2 -2dx+d^2 = 0).
 
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  • #2
Zackkkkkk said:
-3x^2 -2dx + d^2 = 0
x = [2d +- (4d^2 - 12d^2)^1/2] / (-6)
x = d/3

I have no clue what he/she did after line 9 (-3x^2 -2dx+d^2 = 0).
She just applied the standard formula for solving a quadratic.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #3
haruspex said:
She just applied the standard formula for solving a quadratic.
I figured it out. Thanks.
 

1. What is Coulomb's Law?

Coulomb's Law is a fundamental law of physics that describes the relationship between the electric force, the charges of two objects, and the distance between them. It states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How is Coulomb's Law related to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Coulomb's Law and Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation are both inverse-square laws, meaning that the force between two objects decreases as the square of the distance between them increases. However, Coulomb's Law describes the electric force between charged objects, while Newton's Law describes the gravitational force between massive objects.

3. What are the SI units for the variables in Coulomb's Law?

The SI units for the variables in Coulomb's Law are as follows: force (N), charge (C), and distance (m). Alternatively, they can also be expressed as coulombs (C) for charge and meters (m) for distance.

4. How does the direction of the force in Coulomb's Law change with the charges of the objects?

The direction of the force in Coulomb's Law depends on the charges of the objects. If the charges are of the same sign (both positive or both negative), the force between them is repulsive and pushes the objects away from each other. If the charges are of opposite signs (one positive and one negative), the force between them is attractive and pulls the objects towards each other.

5. Can Coulomb's Law be applied to point charges only?

No, Coulomb's Law can be applied to any objects with electric charge, regardless of their size or shape. However, it is most accurate for point charges, which are objects with a very small size compared to the distance between them.

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