Learning goal: to practice problem-solving strategy 22.1 for electric force problems. two charged particles, with charges q1=q and q2=4q, are located on the x axis separated by a distance of 2.00cm . a third charged particle, with charge q3=q, is placed on the x axis such that the magnitude of the force that charge 1 exerts on charge 3 is equal to the force that charge 2 exerts on charge 3.find the position of charge 3 when q = 2.00 nc .

4 / 3. cm

Explanation:

Let third charge q be places at distance x cm  from first charge q. So its distance from 4 q will be (  2-x )cm .

Force on third charge due to first charge

k q x q / x²

Force of third charge q due to 2nd charge 4q.

k q x 4q / ( 2 - x )²

According to problem

kq² / x² = 4 k q² /( 2-x )²

4 x² = (2 - x )²

2x = 2 - x

3x = 2

x = 2 /3 cm

Position of charge 3 is 2 / 3 cm fro first charge and

= 2 - 2 / 3

= 4 / 3. cm from second charge.