Final answer:
a) The potential at the point halfway between the objects is zero volts. b) The potential at a point 0.20 m to the side of one of the objects is the sum of the potentials due to each object individually, which can be calculated using the formula V = k * q / r.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) To determine the potential at a point halfway between the objects, we can use the formula for the potential due to a point charge. The potential at a point halfway between the objects is equal to the sum of the potentials due to each object individually. Since the objects have the same charge, but opposite signs, the potentials will cancel each other out. Therefore, the potential at the midpoint will be zero volts.
b) To determine the potential at a point 0.20 m to the side of one of the objects, we can use the formula for the potential due to a point charge. The potential at this point is equal to the sum of the potentials due to each object individually. We can calculate the potential due to each object using the formula V = k * q / r, where V is the potential, k is Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge. Plugging in the values, we have:
V1 = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * (-1.8 x 10^-9 C) / (0.2 m)
V2 = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * (-1.8 x 10^-9 C) / (0.2 m)
The potential at this point is the sum of V1 and V2. To find the potential at a point 0.40 m from the other object along the line joining them, we can add the potential at this point due to each object individually using the same formula. The potential at this point is:
V3 = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * (-1.8 x 10^-9 C) / (0.4 m)