The diagram shows two pairs of heavily charged plastic cubes. Cubes 1 and 2 attract each and cubes 1 and 3 repel each other.. Which of the following illustrates the forces of cube 2 on 3 and cube 3 on 2?

Question

The diagram shows two pairs of heavily charged plastic cubes. Cubes 1 and 2 attract each and cubes 1 and 3 repel each other..  Which of the following illustrates the forces of cube 2 on 3 and cube 3 on 2?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Choice II shows cube 2 and cube 3 repelling each other in opposite directions, which is consistent with the given information that cube 1 attracts cube 2 and repels cube 3. Choice I, III, and IV all show the cubes attracting each other, which contradicts the information given. Choice V shows the forces acting in the same direction, which is also inconsistent with the information given.

The Diagram Shows Two Pairs of Heavily Charged Plastic Cubes