Question

A 2.0 nc charge is at the origin, and a 32 nc charge is at x = 10 cm . What location on the x axis has a net electric field of zero? Option 1: x = 5 cm Option 2: x = 10 cm Option 3: x = 15 cm Option 4: x = 20 cm

Answer 1

The x-position on the x-axis where the net electric field is zero can be found by analyzing the electric fields created by the charges at the origin and at x = 10 cm. At x = 20 cm, the electric fields created by both charges cancel each other out, resulting in a net electric field of zero.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the x-position on the x-axis where the net electric field is zero, we need to consider the electric fields created by both charges. The electric field created by a point charge can be calculated using the equation E = kQ/
`r^(2)`, where E is the electric field strength, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is charge, and r is the distance from charge. The electric field created by a positive charge is radially outward, while the electric field created by a negative charge is radially inward.

In this scenario, the 2.0 NC charge at the origin creates an electric field that points away from the origin in both the positive and negative x-directions. The 32 NC charge at x = 10 cm creates an electric field that points towards the 32 nc charge in both the positive and negative x-directions. In order for the net electric field to be zero at a certain x-position, the electric fields created by both charges must cancel each other out at that position.

At the x-position x = 20 cm, the electric field created by the 2.0 nc charge points away from the origin and has a certain strength. The electric field created by the 32 NC charge points towards the 32 NC charge and has a certain strength. If the magnitudes and directions of these two electric fields are such that their strengths cancel each other out, then the net electric field at x = 20 cm will be zero. Therefore, the correct option is x = 20 cm.