There are two charges,

Distance between the two charges, d = 16 cm = 0.16 m
Consider a point P on the line joining the two charges, as shown in the given figure.

r = Distance of point P from charge q1
Let the electric potential (V) at point P be zero.
Potential at point P is the sum of potentials caused by charges q1 and q2 respectively.

Where,
= Permittivity of free space
For V = 0, equation (i) reduces to

Therefore, the potential is zero at a distance of 10 cm from the positive charge between the charges.
Suppose point P is outside the system of two charges at a distance s from the negative charge, where potential is zero,
as shown in the following figure.

For this arrangement, potential is given by,

For V = 0, equation (ii) reduces to

Therefore, the potential is zero at a distance of 40 cm from the positive charge outside the system of charges.
Student Discussion
ADD NEW COMMENT