In Fig.1.1, two positive charges q 2 and q 3 fixed along the y axis, exert a net electric force in the + x direction on a charge q 1 fixed along the x axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), the force on q 1

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

It is given that q₂ and q₃ are positive charges. The charge on the q₁ is not given and it may be positive or negative charge. It also given that net force on the charge q₁ is directed along positive x direction.

If we consider q₁ as positive charge, then by coulomb’s law, the net electric force will be in negative direction as shown in the figure below. However, this will be not the case according to the given data. Therefore, charge q₁ is negative charged and the resultant electric force F_R, in positive x direction is shown below.

Now, the positive charge Q is placed at the given point. This causes the exertion of electric force F_Q on charge q₁. This force F_Q is also directed along positive x axis due to Coulomb’s law. Hence the force on charge q₁ is increased. The resultant force F_R+ F_Q is shown in the figure below

Thus, the force on given charge is increased along positive x axis.

In Fig.1.1, two positive charges q2 and q3 fixed along the y axis, exert a net electric force in the + x direction on a charge q1 fixed along the x axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), the force on q1

In Fig.1.1, two positive charges q₂ and q₃ fixed along the y axis, exert a net electric force in the + x direction on a charge q₁ fixed along the x axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), the force on q₁