Two particles of charges q₁ = 8q and q₂ = -2q are placed as shown in figure. At what point away from q₂ on x-axis can a proton be placed placed so that it is in equilibrium? (a) x = 2L (b) x = 2.5L (c) x = 3L (d) x = L

Answer: (a). The null point lies outside the charges, beyond the smaller charge q₂ (at x > L). (k(8q)e)/(x²) = (k(2q)e)/((x - L)²) ⇒ (x)/(x - L) = 2 x = 2x - 2L ⇒ x = 2L. So the answer is (a) x = 2L.

Two particles of charges q₁ = 8q and q₂ = -2q are placed as shown in… | MHT CET 2026 (14 May, Shift 2)

Q16MHT CET 2026 · 14 MAY · SHIFT 2Medium

Electric Charge & Coulomb's Law

Two particles of charges $q_1 = 8q$ and $q_2 = -2q$ are placed as shown in figure. At what point away from $q_2$ on x-axis can a proton be placed placed so that it is in equilibrium?

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Answer: (a)

The null point lies outside the charges, beyond the smaller charge $q_2$ (at $x > L$ ).
$\dfrac{k(8q)e}{x^2} = \dfrac{k(2q)e}{(x - L)^2} \Rightarrow \dfrac{x}{x - L} = 2$
$x = 2x - 2L \Rightarrow x = 2L$ . So the answer is (a) $x = 2L$ .

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Electric Charge & Coulomb's Law question from MHT CET 2026 (14 May, Shift 2)

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