Question

Problem 4: Two point charges, Q₁ and Q₂, are located on the x axis as follows. Q₁ is at the origin and has a value of +24 µC. The charge Q₂ is at x = 4 meters and its magnitude and sign are unknown. It is known that the net electric field due to these two charges is zero at the coordinate x = 8 meters. (k = 1/4πε_o = 9 x 10⁹ Nt x m²/C²)

a. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric field produced by Q₁ at a distance 3 meters away from the charge.

b. Determine the magnitude and sign of charge Q2.

c. If we allow these two charges to touch one another and come to electrical equilibrium, what will the charge be on each after this process is completed and what principle of physics is being employed to arrive at the answer.

d. How much work is needed to bring a proton (Q = e = 1.60 x 10^-19 C) from infinity to the coordinate (x,y) = (3,0)?

e. Suppose we double the magnitude of each of the charges and halve the distance between them. How will the electrical force between these two charges compare to the original force? (Find the ratio of the new force to the original force).

Answer 1