SUMMARY
The electric field magnitude at points where the electric potential is zero for a system consisting of a -14.3 nC point charge and a +24.9 nC point charge, located 17.4 cm apart on the x-axis, can be determined using the equation for electric potential, V = kq/r. The correct approach involves setting the sum of potentials from both charges to zero, leading to the equation kq1/(r+0.174) + kq2/r = 0. This formulation yields two values for r, one positive and one negative, confirming the existence of two points where the electric potential is zero.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of electric potential and electric field concepts
- Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the constant k (Coulomb's constant)
- Basic algebra skills for solving equations
- Knowledge of point charges and their interactions
NEXT STEPS
- Study the implications of electric potential and electric field relationships
- Learn about the superposition principle in electrostatics
- Explore the concept of equipotential surfaces in electric fields
- Investigate the behavior of electric fields around multiple point charges
USEFUL FOR
Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and potentials in charge systems.