Question

A point charge of -2 µC is located at the origin. A second point charge of 6 µC is at x = 1 m, y = 0.5 m. Find the x and y coordinates of the position at which an electron would be in equilibrium

Answer 1

Answer:

x coordinate = -1.66 m

y coordinate is = -0.825m

Explanation:

Suppose z be the distance form the first charge and z + sqrt(1^2 +.5^2) be the distance from the second So z + sqrt(1+.25) = z + 1.12

We have k*2.0x10^-6/s^2 = k*6x10^-6/(s+1.12)^2

0.0356s^2 -0.019s-0.0897=0  

s=1.876m

The angle of the line between the two charges is arctan(.5/1) = 26.6o

x coordinate = -1.876*cos(26.6) = -1.66m

y coordinate is -1.876*sin(26.6) = -0.825m