Where should q3 be placed on the x-axis for net force to be zero?

[leon1127]

Three point charges are arranged along the x-axis. Charge q_1=−4.05 nC is located at x_1 = 0.195 m, and charge q_2 = 2.80 nC is at x_2=−0.340 m A positive point charge q_3 is located at the origin.Where along the x-axis can q_3 be placed and the net force on it be zero, other than the trivial answers of x= \pm \infty?
Thx

 

[andrewchang]

show some work.

how do you think it should be solved?

 

[leon1127]

$$\frac{4.05* q_3}{(-0.34-x)^2} =\frac{-2.8 * q_3}{(0.195+x)^2} [\tex]<br /> <br /> I don't know why it doesn't work$$

 

[leon1127]

may anyone?

 

[andrewchang]

draw the diagram:

|------x2-----------------------x----------------x1----------|

if x is some value, then to find the distance, you have to use the distances as (x-x2) and (x1-x)

 

[leon1127]

how do you know if x will land in the interval between $$q_1 and q_2 [\tex]<br /> the problem i get is when i assume the q3 will at equalibrium, x become imaginary when i take the square root<br /> <br /> 2.8/x^2 == -4.05 / (0.535+x)^2<br /> <br /> i have shifted the system to the right. Then the negative sign became PAIN under the square root$$

 

[andrewchang]

crap.

i'm sorry, i didn't read the question carefully enough. as far as i can tell, it has to be either left of q_2 or right of q_1. just from eyeballing the figure, it looks like it will be to the left of q_2 because the smaller repelling charge needs to be closer to cancel out the larger attracting charge.

 

[leon1127]

nvm i got it.
Thank you everyone