What does 'a distance L apart' mean?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Special One
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mean
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the meaning of "a distance L apart" in the context of electrostatics, specifically involving a -2.0 μC point charge and a 4.0 μC point charge. This phrase indicates that the two charges are separated by a distance labeled as "L". Participants emphasize the importance of visualizing the problem by sketching the configuration, which aids in determining the position of a third charge that experiences zero net electric force. The conversation highlights the necessity for users to independently draw the scenario to enhance understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic forces and Coulomb's Law
  • Basic knowledge of point charges and their interactions
  • Ability to interpret and create diagrams for physics problems
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric field equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate electric force using Coulomb's Law
  • Learn about the concept of electric field and its representation
  • Study the principles of equilibrium in electrostatics
  • Explore methods for visualizing physics problems through diagrams
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics and the behavior of point charges in electric fields.

Special One
Messages
32
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
.
Relevant Equations
.
In this problem what does ' a distance L apart ' mean ?A –2.0 μC point charge and a 4.0 μC point charge are a distance Lapart. Where should a third point charge be placed so that the electric force on that third charge is zero?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Special One said:
In this problem what does ' a distance L apart ' mean ?
? It means the distance between them is "L" units. I'm guessing English must be a second language for you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Special One
Yeah it is. thanks for the quick answer.
 
phinds said:
? It means the distance between them is "L" units. I'm guessing English must be a second language for you.

Can you draw the picture of the problem?
 
Special One said:
Can you draw the picture of the problem?
It is extremely simple so you need to be able to do that yourself.

Start by drawing two points and a line labeled "L" between them and go from there.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
phinds said:
It is extremely simple so you need to be able to do that yourself.

yeah you're correct, but just for checking.
 
Special One said:
yeah you're correct, but just for checking.
On this forum, "checking" means YOU do the work, THEN we do the checking. We don't do it for you.
 
Special One said:
Do me a favour and draw the picture of that problem please.
Special One said:
yeah you're correct, but just for checking.
Please use the "attach file" feature to upload your sketch of this problem. Show where you think the 3rd charge should go, and tell us how you calculated that is the correct spot. Thank you.
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
917
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
2K