Two point charges are fixed on the -axis: at and at .
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electric Charges and Fields · Electric Charges and Fields
Problem
Two point charges are fixed on the x-axis: +5.0μC at x=−0.15m and −5.0μC at x=+0.15m.
(a) Determine the coordinate(s) on the x-axis where the net electric field produced by the two charges is zero.
(b) A +1.0nC test charge is placed at the midpoint between the two fixed charges. Calculate the electric potential energy of the test charge at that location, taking the zero of potential energy at infinity.
(c) If the test charge in part (b) is released from rest at the midpoint, describe qualitatively its subsequent motion along the x-axis. Explain your reasoning based on the directions of the forces acting on the test charge.