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Multiple Choice
A charge sits at the origin, and a charge is at . At what location(s) is the potential zero?
A
only
B
only
C
only
D
and
E
There is no such point.
F
and
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the electric potential V at a point due to a point charge is given by the formula: V = k * q / r, where k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge to the point.
Set up the equation for the total potential at a point x due to both charges. The potential due to the -9.0 nC charge at the origin is V1 = k * (-9.0 nC) / x, and the potential due to the +18 nC charge at x = 2.0 cm is V2 = k * (18 nC) / (2.0 cm - x).
To find the location(s) where the potential is zero, set the sum of the potentials equal to zero: V1 + V2 = 0. This gives the equation: k * (-9.0 nC) / x + k * (18 nC) / (2.0 cm - x) = 0.
Simplify the equation by canceling out the common factor k and solve for x: (-9.0 nC) / x + (18 nC) / (2.0 cm - x) = 0. This leads to the equation: 18 nC / (2.0 cm - x) = 9.0 nC / x.
Cross-multiply to solve for x: 18 nC * x = 9.0 nC * (2.0 cm - x). Simplify and solve this equation to find the values of x where the potential is zero. These values will be the locations where the potential is zero.