Question:

Two charges \(q_1 = 4 \times 10^{-6}~\text{C}\) and \(q_2 = -2 \times 10^{-6}~\text{C}\) are separated by 8 cm. The distance of the point from \(q_1\) on the line joining the charges where the potential vanishes is:
(Potential at infinity is assumed to be zero)

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For zero potential along the line joining two point charges, set algebraic sum of potentials to zero: \(\frac{q_1}{x} + \frac{q_2}{d - x} = 0\) and solve for \(x\).
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • \(\frac{8}{3}~\text{cm}\)
  • \(\frac{4}{3}~\text{cm}\)
  • \(\frac{2}{3}~\text{cm}\)
  • \(\frac{16}{3}~\text{cm}\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Condition for zero potential.
At a point \(x\) from \(q_1\) along the line joining the charges: \[ V = k \frac{q_1}{x} + k \frac{q_2}{d - x} = 0 \] where \(d = 8~\text{cm}\).

Step 2: Substitute values.

\[ \frac{4 \times 10^{-6}}{x} + \frac{-2 \times 10^{-6}}{8 - x} = 0 \]

Step 3: Solve for \(x\).

\[ \frac{4}{x} - \frac{2}{8 - x} = 0 \Rightarrow \frac{4}{x} = \frac{2}{8 - x} \Rightarrow 4 (8 - x) = 2 x \] \[ 32 - 4x = 2x \Rightarrow 32 = 6x \Rightarrow x = \frac{32}{6} = \frac{16}{3}~\text{cm} \]

Step 4: Conclusion.

The point where the potential vanishes is \(\frac{16}{3}~\text{cm}\) from \(q_1\).
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