Zero point in the electric field

[Colts]

Homework Statement

Find positions on the x-axis for the charges Q1 = -1 C and Q2 = +3 C so that the electric field is zero at x = 0.

Homework Equations

F=Eq
where E=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I put q1 and q2 1 meter apart and then found where a third charge would go so the third charge would have a force of zero. My answer for the question is q2 at x=-2.366 and q1 at x=-1.366. Is this right?

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

Find positions on the x-axis for the charges Q1 = -1 C and Q2 = +3 C so that the electric field is zero at x = 0.

Homework Equations

F=Eq
where E=kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I put q1 and q2 1 meter apart and then found where a third charge would go so the third charge would have a force of zero. My answer for the question is q2 at x=-2.366 and q1 at x=-1.366. Is this right?

Yes, that is one possible answer. (There are an infinite number of sets of possible answers.)

The important thing is the ratio of the two x coordinates.