Question

Two positive point charges that are equal in magnitude are fixed in place, one at x = 0.00 m and the other at x = 1.00 m, on the x axis. A third positive point charge is placed at an equilibrium position. Where is the equilibrium position?

Answer 1

0.5 m

Step-by-step explanation:

Two charges each of magnitude q

Let the third charge is Q is placed at a distance x from the origin so that the charge is in equilibrium.

The force on Q due to q at origin is balanced by the charge on Q due to the charge q placed at x = 1 m.

So,

`(KQq)/(x^(2))=(KQq)/(\left ( 1-x \right )^(2))`

1 - x = x

1 = 2x

x = 0.5 m

Thus, the third charge is placed at x = 0.5 m .