Answer to Question #106128 in Physics for Mukelo Madolo

Question

Three particles with equal positive charges q are at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side a (a) at what point, if any,in the plane of the particles is the electric potential zero?(b) what is the electric potential at the position of one of the particles due to the other two particles in the triangle?

Answer 1

a)

$$V_{total}=k\frac{q}{r_1}+k\frac{q}{r_2}+k\frac{q}{r_3}=kq(r_1^{-1}+r_2^{-1}+r_3^{-1})>0$$

There is not such point with zero potential.

b)

$$V_{1}=k\frac{q}{a}+k\frac{q}{a}=2k\frac{q}{a}$$