# What must be the charge and placement of the third charge

Two charges -Qo and -3Qo, are a distance l apart. These two charges are free to move but do not because there is a third charge nearby. What must be the charge and placement of the third charge for the first two to be in equilibrium.

This would be easier if I was given an l amount, but since all I know is l, I'm now stuck. I know that it has to be in the middle because putting it on either sides will give a net value.

Can someone just guide me on how to get started on this?

## Answers and Replies

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TSny
Homework Helper
Gold Member
This would be easier if I was given an l amount, but since all I know is l, I'm now stuck.
Since the value of l is not given, you'll express the answer for the location of the third charge in terms of l. And the magnitude of the third charge will be expressed in terms of Qo.

You already know that the third charge, Q3, will be placed between the two given charges. So, let x be the distance from one of the charges. Express the distance to the other charge in terms of l and x. Try to set up two equations that contain the two unknowns, x and Q3. It will help to write the third charge as Q3 = aQo and take the two unknowns to be a and x.

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