
Two point charges A and B are separated by a distance of
in a vacuum, as illustrated in the figure below.
A point P is a distance
from A along the line AB. The variation with distance
of the electric potential
due to charge A alone is shown in the graph below.
The variation with distance
of the electric potential
due to charge B alone is also shown in the graph above.
State and explain whether the charges A and B are of the same, or opposite, sign.
By reference to the graph above, state how the combined electric potential due to both charges may be determined.
Without any calculation, use the graph above to estimate the distance
at which the combined electric potential of the two charges is a minimum.
The point P is a distance
from A. An
-particle has kinetic energy
when at infinity. Use the graph above to determine the minimum value of
such that the
-particle may travel from infinity to point P.