What does 'a distance L apart' mean?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the phrase "a distance L apart" in the context of a physics problem involving point charges. The original poster seeks clarification on the meaning of this distance in relation to the placement of a third charge to achieve zero electric force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of the distance L and its implications for the problem setup. Some express the need for visual representation to aid understanding, while others emphasize the importance of independently working through the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing responses to clarify the meaning of the distance L. There is a focus on ensuring that the original poster engages with the problem independently, while also exploring the need for visual aids to support understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note language barriers and emphasize the expectation that the original poster should create their own diagrams and calculations as part of the learning process.

Special One
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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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 

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