Question

Three particles are fixed on an x axis. Particle 1 of charge q1 is at x = a, and particle 2 of charge q2 is at x = - a. If their net electrostatic force on particle 3 of charge + Q is to be zero, what must be the ratio q2/q1 when particle 3 is at x = 0.500a?

Answer 1

9

Step-by-step explanation:

As the net force on Q is zero, so the force on Q due to q1 is balanced by the force on Q due to q2.

Let the force on Q due to q1 is F1 and force on Q due to q2 is F2.

F1 = F2

K Q q1 / (0.5 a)^2 = K Q q2 / (1.5 a)^2

q1 / 0.25 = q2 / 2.25

q2 / q1 = 2.25 / 0.25

q2 / q1 = 9