Two small identically charged balls are a certain distance apart. The vectors in the figure show the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force on each ball due to the other one. Suppose that the charge on the left ball is now doubled (represented by two plus signs). Which vector diagram below best represents the forces that now act on each of the two balls?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Doubling the charge on the left ball will result in a stronger electrostatic force between the two balls. This means that the vectors representing the forces will be longer in magnitude. Additionally, since the charges are identical, the force on each ball will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. In choice C, the length of the vectors accurately represents the stronger force, and the vectors are opposite in direction, indicating equal but opposite forces on each ball.

Two Small Identically Charged Balls Are a Certain Distance Apart