Two point charges `Q_1` and `Q_2` lie along a line at a distance from each other. Figure 3.7 shows the potential variation along the line of charges. At which of the points 1, 2, and 3 is the electric field zero ? What are the singns of the charges `Q_1` and `Q_2` and which of the two charges is greater in magnitude ?
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Explanation

The electric field vector is zero at point (3). As `-dV//dr = E_r`, the negative of the slope of V verus r curve represents the component of electric field along r . Slope of curve is zero only at `3`.
Near positive charge, net potential is positive and near a negative charge net potential is negative. Thus, charge `Q_1` is positive and `Q_2` negative. From the graph, it can be seen that net potential due to the two charges is positive everywhere in the region left of charge `Q_1`. Therefore, the magnitude of potential due to charge `Q_1` is greater than that due to `Q_2`. Therefore, the absolute value of charge `Q_1` is greater than that of `Q_2`. Secondly, point 1, where potential due to two charges is zero, is nearer to charge `Q_2` thereby implying that `Q_1` has greater absolute value. Also, potential is zero at 2, which is toward right of `Q_2`, as we know that potential is zero at an outside point toward the side of charge smaller in magnitude.