Two point charges, q1 = 10 x 10^–8 C and q₂ = – 2 x 10^–8 C are separated by a distance of 60 cm in air,
(i) Find at what distance from the 1st charge, q₁, would the electric potential be zero.(ii) Also calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.

Solution

Given, two point charges.
Charge 1, q₁ = 10 x 10^–8 C
Charge 2, q₂ = – 2 x 10^–8 C
Distance between the charge, d= 60 cm =0.6 m

i) Let, the required point where the electric potential is 0 be at a distance'x' from the charge 1 and (0.6-x) distance from charge 2.

Therefore, V₁+ V₂=0
$\frac{1}{4 {πε}_{\circ}} \frac{q_{1}}{r_{1}} = - \frac{1}{4 π ε_{\circ}} \frac{q_{2}}{r_{2}} \frac{10}{x} = \frac{2}{0.6 - x} 6 - 10 x = 2 x 6 = 12 x 0.5 = x$

Hence, Potential is zero at a point 0.5 m away from the first charge.

ii) Electrostatic potential energy of the system,U= $\frac{1}{4 π ε_{o}} \frac{q_{1} q_{2}}{r}$
$= 9 \times 10^{9} \times \frac{10 \times 10^{- 8} \times - 2 \times 10^{- 8}}{0.6} = - 300 \times 10^{- 7} J$

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Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance

Two point charges, q1 = 10 x 10^–8 C and q₂ = – 2 x 10^–8 C are separated by a distance of 60 cm in air,
(i) Find at what distance from the 1st charge, q₁, would the electric potential be zero.(ii) Also calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.

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Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance

Two point charges, q1 = 10 x 10–8 C and q2 = – 2 x 10–8 C are separated by a distance of 60 cm in air,(i) Find at what distance from the 1st charge, q1, would the electric potential be zero.(ii) Also calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.

Some More Questions From Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Chapter

Mock Test Series

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Entrance Exams Preparation

Two point charges, q1 = 10 x 10^–8 C and q₂ = – 2 x 10^–8 C are separated by a distance of 60 cm in air,
(i) Find at what distance from the 1st charge, q₁, would the electric potential be zero.(ii) Also calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.