College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 16 - Problems - Page 618: 84

Answer

The electric field due to the two point charges is zero at one point in region A.

Work Step by Step

In region A, the electric fields due to the $+2~\mu C$ point charge and the $-4~\mu C$ point charge are non-zero and they point in opposite directions. The net electric field is zero when the magnitude of the electric field due to each point charge is equal. In region B, the electric fields due to the $+2~\mu C$ point charge and the $-4~\mu C$ point charge are non-zero and they point in the same direction. Therefore, the net electric field is non-zero in this region. In region C, the electric fields due to the $+2~\mu C$ point charge and the $-4~\mu C$ point charge are non-zero and they point in opposite directions. However, for every point in this region, the distance to the $-4~\mu C$ charge is less than the distance to the $+2~\mu C$ charge. Therefore, the magnitude of the electric field due to the $-4~\mu C$ charge is always greater than the magnitude of the electric field due to the $+2~\mu C$ charge. The net electric field is non-zero in this region. The electric field due to the two point charges is zero at one point in region A.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.