Question

A point charge A of charge +4micro coloumb and another B of -1 micro coloumb are placed at a distance in air 1m apart then the distance of point charge on the line joining the charge B. Where the resultant electric field is zero

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

A point charge is placed between two charges

Q1 = 4 μC

Q2 = -1 μC

Distance between the two charges is 1m

We want to find the point when the electric field will be zero.

Electric field can be calculated using

E = kQ/r²

Let the point charge be at a distance x from the first charge Q1, then, it will be at 1 -x from the second charge.

Then, the magnitude of the electric at point x is zero.

E = kQ1 / r² + kQ2 / r²

0 = kQ1 / x² - kQ2 / (1-x)²

kQ1 / x² = kQ2 / (1-x)²

Divide through by k

Q1 / x² = Q2 / (1-x)²

4μ / x² = 1μ / (1 - x)²

Divide through by μ

4 / x² = 1 / (1-x)²

Cross multiply

4(1-x)² = x²

4(1-2x+x²) = x²

4 - 8x + 4x² = x²

4x² - 8x + 4 - x² = 0

3x² - 8x + 4 = 0

Check attachment for solution of quadratic equation

We found that,

x = 2m or x = ⅔m

So, the electric field will be zero if placed ⅔m from point charge A, OR ⅓m from point charge B.