Chapter 22: Problem 77
A particle of charge \(-q_{1}\) is at the origin of an \(x\) axis (a) At what location on the axis should a particle of charge \(-4 q_{1}\) be placed so that the net electric field is zero at \(x=2.0 \mathrm{~mm}\) on the axis? (b) If, instead, a particle of charge \(+4 q_{1}\) is placed at that location, what is the direction (relative to the positive direction of the \(x\) axis) of the net electric field at \(x=2.0 \mathrm{~mm} ?\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Charges and Positions
Set Up the Equation for Electric Field
Simplify the Equation
Solve for x
Determine the Direction of the Electric Field with +4q1
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coulomb's Law
- This law helps predict the behavior of charges at different distances.
- It applies to point charges, which are idealized charges that occupy no volume.
Electric Charge
- Charges are measured in coulombs (C).
- Common subatomic particles with charge are electrons (negative) and protons (positive).
- A charge of \(-q_1\) at the origin.
- The determination of a second charge, \(-4q_1\), and its hypothetical counterpart, \(+4q_1\), to assess the electric field behavior.
Electric Field Direction
In this exercise, we're asked to determine the net electric field direction at a specific point (\(x = 2\, \text{mm}\)).
- If a charge is negative, it pulls field lines towards itself.
- If a charge is positive, it pushes field lines away from itself.
Point Charges
- Point charges are assumed to have no dimensions.
- Their effect is calculated solely based on charge magnitude and distance from another charge.
- By treating them as point charges, calculations are more straightforward.
- It allows us to easily use Coulomb's Law to find the forces and, subsequently, the electric fields involved.