Question

Two tiny objects with equal charges of 59.0 µC are placed at two corners of a square with sides of 0.355 m, as shown. How far above and to the left of the corner of the square labeled A would you place a third small object with the same charge so that the electric field is zero at A?

Answer 1

I would need to see where A is in relation to the two occupied corners .

We often have a problem helping with "as shown in the figure" questions, when there is no figure

Answer 2

1----------2
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
3-----------4

Sorry this is a horrible square but I couldn't copy the image. The A is on corner 1 and the two charges are on corners 3 and 4.

Answer 3

The third charge must lie along the direction of the resultant force due to the charges at A and B. The force due to B has half the magnitude of the force due to A, and is directed 45 degree to the left of the vertical force due to the charge at A. I find the resultant to be inclined to the vertical by an angle of 14.64 degrees, which is arctan[(sqrt2/4)/(1 + sqrt2/4)]

For the distance of the third charge from corner A, match the force due to the third charge to the resultant force magnitude due to charges at A and B.

Answer 4

Could you please explain that more clearly?