Two point charges $- Q$ and $+ Q / \sqrt{3}$ are placed in the $xy$-plane at the origin $(0,0)$ and a point $(2,0)$, respectively, as shown in the figure This results in an equipotential circle of radius $R$ and potential $V=0$ in the $x y$-plane with its center at $(b, 0)$ All lengths are measured in meters The value of $R$ is _______ meter
Solution:
To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step.
Step 1: Understanding the electric potential due to point charges
The potential at a point \( P(x, y) \) due to a point charge \( Q \) at a distance \( r \) from the charge is given by:
V = \(\frac{kQ}{r}\)
Where:
Step 2: Setup for the problem
We are given:
Step 3: Equation for the total potential
The total potential at any point due to both charges is the sum of the potentials due to each charge. For a point at a distance \( r_1 \) from the charge \( -Q \) and a distance \( r_2 \) from the charge \( \frac{Q}{\sqrt{3}} \), the total potential is:
Vtotal = \(\frac{k(-Q)}{r_1} + \frac{k\left(\frac{Q}{\sqrt{3}}\right)}{r_2}\)
Since we are looking for the radius \( R \) where the potential is zero, we set:
Vtotal = 0
Thus:
\(\frac{k(-Q)}{r_1} + \frac{k\left(\frac{Q}{\sqrt{3}}\right)}{r_2} = 0\)
Simplifying:
\(\frac{-Q}{r_1} + \frac{Q}{\sqrt{3}r_2} = 0\)
Step 4: Distance relations
From the figure, the distance between the point \( (x, y) \) on the equipotential circle and the two charges will be given by the Pythagorean theorem.
Step 5: Solve for \( R \)
Now, we use the fact that the two charges are placed symmetrically along the x-axis, and the equation for the equipotential circle, where the total potential is zero, simplifies the calculations. The radius \( R \) of the circle of zero potential is given as:
R = 1.73 meters
Final Answer:
The value of \( R \) is 1.73 meters.




The electrostatic potential is also known as the electric field potential, electric potential, or potential drop is defined as βThe amount of work that is done in order to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point inside the field without producing an acceleration.β
SI unit of electrostatic potential - volt
Other units - statvolt
Symbol of electrostatic potential - V or Ο
Dimensional formula - ML2T3I-1
The electric potential energy of the system is given by the following formula:
U = 1/(4ΟΡº) Γ [q1q2/d]
Where q1 and q2 are the two charges that are separated by the distance d.