Rank the electrostatic force

Electricity and Magnetism Level 1

The figures above show four situations in which five charged particles are evenly placed along an axis. The charge values are known except for the particle in the center, which has the same charge across all four situations. Which situation gives the greatest magnitude of net electrostatic force on the particle in the center?

(c) (a) (b) (d)

Krishna Singh by Krishna Singh , 22, India

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2 solutions

Remember, if the two charges on either of sides attract each other than this attraction will "drive them away" from the middle charge (bring them closer) hence resulting in a loss of net force on the middle charge. Therefore, the arrangement in which none the two attract is the solution. Hence, ( c ) (c) is the answer.

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But in case c, net foce on the particle is zero. Even more there would be repulsion among the 2 similar charges on same side which would push both the charges away, and resultant force is zero .

MUDIT BHATNAGAR - 6 years ago

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The force of the two ends repelling one another would squeeze the middle particle. If there was not a middle particle, yes, the force would neutralize creating a zero, however, since two forces are pushing from opposing sides on the same particle it's no longer neutral. To visualize this think of your two hands as the second and fourth particles, and the middle particle as a soda can, in which series will the can become crushed?

Tammy Smith - 6 years ago
Ayush Kumar
Jun 3, 2015

Electrostatic force on the particle=(kq1q2)/r^2. If q1 and q2 are of same nature then force will be of attractive nature. If q1 and q2 are of opposite nature then force is of expulsive nature.

In case'c' whatever be the charge of unknown particle. Force due to all the charges are adding up in one direction. None of the forces are canceling each other.

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in this question we have to find the greater magnitude of the particle but not that which one be neutral so from point of view the answer should be 'b'

Divyansh Shukla - 4 years, 3 months ago

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