A point charge +q is placed at the origin. A second point charge +9q is placed at (d, 0, 0) in Cartesian coordinate system. The point in between them where the electric field vanishes is:
- (3d/4, 0, 0)
- (d/4, 0, 0)
- (4d/3, 0, 0)
- (d/3, 0, 0)
Answer
(2) (d/4, 0, 0)
Solution
Let the field vanish at (x, 0, 0), 0 < x < d.
kqx2 = k(9q)(d - x)2
d - xx = 3
d = 4x x = d4
point (d/4, 0, 0) (nearer the smaller charge)
Answer: (2)