Two particles having charges separated by a distance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two charged particles, specifically 0.600 nC and 5.40 nC, separated by a distance of 1.30 m. The original poster seeks to determine the point along the line connecting the two charges where the net electric field is zero, and further explores how this changes if one charge is negative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their method for finding the zero electric field point and expresses confusion about the next steps when one charge is negative. Other participants suggest starting with the same approach but indicate that the algebra will differ.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem similarly to the first scenario while acknowledging the need for different algebraic handling. There is no explicit consensus on the next steps for the case with a negative charge.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the problem when one charge is negative, suggesting potential assumptions or missing information that may affect their understanding.

sonrie
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Two particles having charges of 0.600 nC and 5.40 nC are separated by a distance of 1.30 m.

A.) At what point along the line connecting the two charges is the net electric field due to the two charges equal to zero?

the electric field is zero at a point _______ m from .600nC

i found out the answer to this to be .325m. by doing the following:

E due to q1 is equal in magnitude to E due to q2 but in opposite direction

As both q1 and q2 are positive, the field is zero at a point in between them

As distance from q1 is L , distance from q2 is (1.3 - L)

kq1/L^2 = kq2/(1.2 - L)^2

(1.3 - L) / L= sq rt (q2 / q1)

(1.3 - L) = L* sq rt (q2 / q1)

1.3 = L [1+sq rt (q2 / q1)]

L = 1.3 / [1+sq rt (q2 / q1)]

L = 1.3 / [1+sq rt (5.40 / 0.600)]

L = 1.3 / [1+sq rt ( 9.00 )]

L = 1.3 / [1+ 3.0]

L = 1.3 / [ 4.0]

L=0.325 meter from 0.550 nC

Where would the net electric field be zero if one of the charges were negative.
Enter answer as a distance from the charge initially equal 0.600 nC . This is where i get lost, i don't know what to do next. please Help!
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You do it like you did the first one. Start with
[tex]\vec{E_1} + \vec{E_2} = 0[/tex]

Be careful about the vector directions.
 
should the answer be the same but just negative since i using the same values as before?
 
When I wrote, "You do it like you did the first one," I meant, you start it the same way. The algebra is different.

I apologize; I should have been clearer.
 
Thanks A Bunch!
 
You're welcome.
 

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