In the figure, four particles form a square. The charges are q_1 = q_4 = Q and q

Question

In the figure, four particles form a square. The charges are q_1 = q_4 = Q and q_2 = q_3 = q. What is Q/q if the net electrostatic force on particles 1 and 4 is zero? What is the magnitude and direction of the force on particle 1 due to particle 4? If the net force on particle 1 is to be zero, what must be the direction of the force on particle 1 due to particle 2? If particles 1 and 4 are positive, what is the sign of the charge on particles 2 and 3? What is the magnitude of the force on particle 1 due to particle 2? What is the x component of the force on particle 1 due to particle 4? Did you then balance the x components of the forces on particle 1?

Explanation / Answer

Equating field at particle 4,

kq/a^2*sqrt2 = -kQ/2a^2

q/Q = - 1 /[2sqrt2] answer

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