Question

Learning Goal: To practice Problem-Solving Strategy 22.1 for electric force problems. Two charged particles, with charges q1=q and q2=4q, are located on the x axis separated by a distance of 2.00cm . A third charged particle, with charge q3=q, is placed on the x axis such that the magnitude of the force that charge 1 exerts on charge 3 is equal to the force that charge 2 exerts on charge 3.Find the position of charge 3 when q = 2.00 nC .

Answer 1

4 / 3. cm

Step-by-step explanation:

Let third charge q be places at distance x cm from first charge q. So its distance from 4 q will be ( 2-x )cm .

Force on third charge due to first charge

k q x q / x²

Force of third charge q due to 2nd charge 4q.

k q x 4q / ( 2 - x )²

According to problem

kq² / x² = 4 k q² /( 2-x )²

4 x² = (2 - x )²

2x = 2 - x

3x = 2

x = 2 /3 cm

Position of charge 3 is 2 / 3 cm fro first charge and

= 2 - 2 / 3

= 4 / 3. cm from second charge.