dawnofhikari
New member
Two charges q1=+5.00nC and q2=-1.40nC are fixed to a baseline at x1=0.00m and x2=+1.00m, respectively. Where on the baseline (relative to x1) should a third charge of q3=+0.55nC be placed if it is to experience zero net electrical force?
Here is my attempt:
q3 is a distance x from q1 and a distance 1 - x from q2.
Equate F31 and F32:
kq1q3 / x^2 = kq2q3 / (1 - x)^2
Cancel like terms:
q1 / x^2 = q2 / (1 - x)^2
5 / x^2 = 1.4 / (1 - x)^2
Expand into a quadratic equation:
3.6x^2 - 10x + 5 = 0
I use a graphing calculator to solve the equation to get x = 0.654 m but that isn't the correct answer. Any help would be appreciated.
Here is my attempt:
q3 is a distance x from q1 and a distance 1 - x from q2.
Equate F31 and F32:
kq1q3 / x^2 = kq2q3 / (1 - x)^2
Cancel like terms:
q1 / x^2 = q2 / (1 - x)^2
5 / x^2 = 1.4 / (1 - x)^2
Expand into a quadratic equation:
3.6x^2 - 10x + 5 = 0
I use a graphing calculator to solve the equation to get x = 0.654 m but that isn't the correct answer. Any help would be appreciated.