Zero Potential and Electric Intensity in a 2D Plane with 3 Point Charges

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a square configuration with three point charges located at specific corners. The objective is to determine the locations in a 2D plane where the electric potential is zero and to identify points where the electric intensity is zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the electric potential equation to find points where the potential is zero and seeks confirmation on their approach. Some participants suggest expressing the problem in terms of coordinates and question the relevance of 3D considerations. Others inquire about the definitions of electric intensity versus electric field strength and the appropriate equations for the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and clarifications regarding the setup and terminology. There is an exploration of how to express the problem in a coordinate system, and some guidance has been offered regarding the potential equation. However, there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion between 2D and 3D interpretations of the problem, as well as the need for clarity on the terminology used in the homework statement.

Lucky7
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let us have a square ABCD (D is in the topleft corner) of size 1 m. Let us have 3 point charges situated in points B, C and D. The charges are following QB=2C, QC=-1C and QD=5C. The task is to find (a) the points/plane where the electric potential is zero and (b) two points where the electric intensity is zero.

Homework Equations


ψ = (1/(4*pi*epsilon))* (Q1/r1+Q2/r2+Q3/r3)=0

The Attempt at a Solution


According to the equation mentioned above I obtain the following equation
2/rB-1/rC+5/rD=0
But now what? Is my current procedure OK?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your procedure is OK. If (a) asks for the points in the plane where the potential is zero, you can write it out in x and y and try to solve. Expect to end up rather close to C. in 3D it becomes a deformed sphere.
 
How do I write it in x,y? And why in 3D, I should find the points in 2D not 3D.
Any hint to (b)?
 
Anyone?
 
"I should find the points in 2D not 3D" Good thing you tell us, because it's nowherer in the original posting.

If (x,y) is a point in the x,y plane, what is the expression for rB ?

Wrt (b), does the problem ask for electric intensity, or does it ask for electric field strength ? If so, do you have a relevant equation available ?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K