Question

A charge +Q is located at the origin and a second charge. +9Q is located at z = 18.2 cm where should a third charge be placed so that the net force on q is zero? Find q's position on x-axis

Answer 1

The net force on the third charge -q, placed equidistant from a dipole with charges +2q and -2q, will be directed vertically upwards along the line of symmetry of the dipole.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the configuration of an electric dipole with charges +2q and -2q, and a third charge -q placed equidistant from the dipole charges on the perpendicular bisector of the line joining them, the direction of the net force on the third charge can be determined by using Coulomb's Law and understanding the concept of electric field. The positive dipole charge will attract the negative third charge, while the negative dipole charge will repel it. Due to the symmetry, the horizontal components of the forces due to the dipole charges on the third charge will cancel each other out. The resulting net force on the third charge -q will be directed vertically upwards along the line of symmetry of the dipole.