A positive charge is placed midway between two equal negative charges. What is t

Question

A positive charge is placed midway between two equal negative charges. What is the direction of the total force on the positive charge?

A) The total force has no direction, because it is zero.

B) The total force points perpendicular to the line connecting the negative charges.

C) The total force points towards the negative charge nearest to the point from which the positive charge was moved.

D) The total force points away from the negative charge nearest to the point from which the positive charge was moved.

A) The total force has no direction, because it is zero.

B) The total force points perpendicular to the line connecting the negative charges.

C) The total force points towards the negative charge nearest to the point from which the positive charge was moved.

D) The total force points away from the negative charge nearest to the point from which the positive charge was moved.

Explanation / Answer

Each of the two negative charges attracts the postive charge with equal force. This is along the line connecting the charges. As they have equal magnitude, forces cancel out and total force is zero. Therefore, answer is 'A'.

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