When a single charge q is placed at one corner of a square, the electric field at the center of the square is F/q. If two other equal charges are placed at the adjacent corners of the square, the electric
Field at the center of the square due to these three equal charges is
A) F/(2q).
B) 4F/q.
C) F/q.
D) F/(4q).
E) None of the above choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field at the center of the square due to a single charge q is F/q. When two other equal charges are placed at the adjacent corners of the square, the electric field at the center of the square due to these three equal charges is the vector sum of the electric fields due to each individual charge. The electric field due to the two charges at the adjacent corners is F/q in the same direction as the electric field due to the charge at the first corner. Therefore, the total electric field at the center of the square is 3F/q.

When a Single Charge Q Is Placed at One Corner