Question

Two point charges + Q and + q are separated by a certain distance. If + Q > + q then in between the charges the electric field is zero at a point ______.

Options

• closer to + Q
• closer to + q
• exactly at the mid-point of line segment joining + Q and + q.
• no where on the line segment joining + Q and + q.

Answer 1

Two point charges + Q and + q are separated by a certain distance. If + Q > + q then in between the charges the electric field is zero at a point closer to + q.

Explanation:

• A positive charge produces an electric field that radiates outward.
• The fields caused by the two charges must cancel each other out for the electric field to be zero at that location.
• Its electric field is stronger because + Q is higher than + q.
• The lower charge (+ q), where its field strength may successfully offset the field from + Q, must be closer to the point where the net electric field is zero in order to balance the greater field of + Q.