Four electric fields,E₁,E₂,E_3, and E₄ are produced at four different points,1,2,3,and 4 by charges q,2q,q,and 2q,respectively.If the distances of the four points from the charges are 10,10,20,and 20 cm,respectively,rank in order from smallest to largest their electric field strengths.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field strength (E) due to a point charge (q) at a distance (r) is given by E = kq/r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant. For points 1 and 2, the charges are q and 2q at the same distance (10 cm), so E2 > E1 due to the larger charge. For points 3 and 4, the charges are q and 2q at the same distance (20 cm), so E4 > E3 due to the larger charge. Since the distances for points 3 and 4 are double that of points 1 and 2, their electric fields will be weaker due to the r^2 term in the denominator, making E3 the weakest and E2 the strongest.

Four Electric Fields,E1,E2,E3, and E4 Are Produced at Four Different

Four Electric Fields,E₁,E₂,E_3, and E₄ Are Produced at Four Different