Two point particles, with charges of q₁ and q₂, are placed a distance r apart.The electric field is zero at a point P between the particles on the line segment connecting them.We conclude that: A)q₁ and q₂ must have the same magnitude and sign B)P must be midway between the particles C)q₁ and q₂ must have the same sign but may have different magnitudes D)q₁ and q₂ must have equal magnitudes and opposite signs E)q₁ and q₂ must have opposite signs and may have different magnitudes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For the electric field to be zero at a point between two charges, the charges must exert equal and opposite forces at that point. This condition does not require the charges to have the same magnitude, but they must have the same sign to ensure the directions of the forces are opposite. Different magnitudes can still satisfy this condition as long as the point P is closer to the smaller charge, balancing the forces due to the inverse square law of electric fields.

Two Point Particles, with Charges of Q1 and Q2, Are

Two Point Particles, with Charges of Q₁ and Q₂, Are