Question

Two tiny particles having charges of +5.00 μC and +7.00 μC are placed along the x-axis. The +5.00-µC particle is at x = 0.00 cm, and the other particle is at x = 100.00 cm. Where on the x-axis must a third charged particle be placed so that it does not experience any net electrostatic force due to the other two particles? Two tiny particles having charges of +5.00 μC and +7.00 μC are placed along the x-axis. The +5.00-µC particle is at x = 0.00 cm, and the other particle is at x = 100.00 cm. Where on the x-axis must a third charged particle be placed so that it does not experience any net electrostatic force due to the other two particles? 4.58 cm 50 cm 9.12 cm 91.2 cm 45.8 cm

Answer 1

The third charged particle must be placed at x = 0.458 m = 45.8 cm

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem we apply Coulomb's law:

Two point charges (q₁, q₂) separated by a distance (d) exert a mutual force (F) whose magnitude is determined by the following formula:

`F = (k*q_1*q_2)/(d^2)` Formula (1)

F: Electric force in Newtons (N)

K : Coulomb constant in N*m²/C²

q₁, q₂: Charges in Coulombs (C)

d: distance between the charges in meters (m)

Equivalence

1μC= 10⁻⁶C

1m = 100 cm

Data

K = 8.99 * 10⁹ N*m²/C²

q₁ = +5.00 μC = +5.00 * 10⁻⁶ C

q₂= +7.00 μC = +7.00 * 10⁻⁶ C

d₁ = x (m)

d₂ = 1-x (m)

Problem development

Look at the attached graphic.

We assume a positive charge q₃ so F₁₃ and F₂₃ are repulsive forces and must be equal so that the net force is zero:

We use formula (1) to calculate the forces F₁₃ and F₂₃

`F_(13) = (k*q_1*q_3)/(d_1^2)`

`F_(23) = (k*q_2*q_3)/(d_2^2)`

F₁₃ = F₂₃

`(k*q_1*q_3)/(d_1^2) = (k*q_2*q_3)/(d_2^2)` We eliminate k and q₃ on both sides

`(q_1)/(d_1^2)= (q_2)/(d_2^2)`

`(q_1)/(x^2)=(q_2)/((1-x)^2)`

`(5*10^(-6))/(x^2)=(7*10^(-6))/((1-x)^2)` We eliminate 10⁻⁶ on both sides

`(1-x)^2 = (7)/(5) x^2`

`1-2x+x^2=(7)/(5) x^2`

`5-10x+5x^2=7 x^2`

`2x^2+10x-5=0`

We solve the quadratic equation:

`x_1 = (-b+√(b^2-4ac) )/(2a) = (-10+√(10^2-4*2*(-5)) )/(2*2) = 0.458m`

`x_2 = (-b-√(b^2-4ac) )/(2a) = (-10-√(10^2-4*2*(-5)) )/(2*2) = -5.458m`

In the option x₂, F₁₃ and F₂₃ will go in the same direction and will not be canceled, therefore we take x₁ as the correct option since at that point the forces are in opposite way .

x = 0.458m = 45.8cm