QQuestionPhysics
QuestionPhysics
A 15.0 nC charge is at x = 0cm and a - 1.0 nCcharge is at x = 5 cm .
At what point or points on the x-axis is the electric potential zero?
Express your answer using two significant figures. If there is more than one answer, give each answer separated by a comma.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Recall the electric potential formula
- $$r$$ is the distance from the charge
The electric potential at a point due to a point charge is given by: Where:
Step 3:: Set up the problem
- We want to find where total potential $$V_{total} = 0
- Charge 2: Q_{2} = - 1.0 \text{ nC} at x = 5 \text{ cm}
Step 4:: Write the total potential equation
V_{total} = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}} \left(\frac{Q_{1}}{x} + \frac{Q_{2}}{5-x}\right) = 0
Step 5:: Solve the equation
\frac{15.0}{x} + \frac{-1.0}{5-x} = 0
Step 6:: Cross multiply and solve
x = \frac{75.0}{14.0} = 5.4
75.0 - 15.0x = -x
Final Answer
5.4
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