FIGURE 19-2
-Four point charges of equal magnitudes but with varying signs are arranged on three of the corners and at the center of the square of side d as shown in Figure 19-2. Which of the arrows shown represents the net force acting on the center charge?

Question

FIGURE 19-2 
-Four point charges of equal magnitudes but with varying signs are arranged on three of the corners and at the center of the square of side d as shown in Figure 19-2. Which of the arrows shown represents the net force acting on the center charge?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force on the center charge is the vector sum of the forces due to the other three charges. The force due to the charge at the top right corner is to the left, the force due to the charge at the bottom left corner is to the right, and the force due to the charge at the center of the square is zero. Therefore, the net force on the center charge is to the left, which is represented by arrow A.

FIGURE 19-2 -Four Point Charges of Equal Magnitudes but with Varying Signs