If the net electric field at point P along Y axis is zero, then the ratio of |q₂/q₃| is 8/(5√x), where x = ______.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Image From the geometry: Distance of +q₂ from P: r₂ = √(2² + 4²) = √20 cm Distance of -q₃ from P: r₃ = √(3² + 4²) = 5 cm For zero net field along the horizontal direction, the horizontal components must cancel. Using: E = kq/r² and direction cosines from the triangle: [kq₂/20](2/√20) = [kq₃/25](3/5) Solving gives the source relation: |q₂/q₃| = 8/(5√5) Comparing with: |q₂/q₃| = 8/(5√x) we get: x = 5