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)
Show Hint
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 \(x\).
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 \(q_1\).