For this problem, consider a set of five negative source charges of equal magnit

Question

For this problem, consider a set of five negative source charges of equal magnitude placed at these (x, y) coordinates: (-2, 2), (-1, 2), (0, 2), (1, 2), (2, 2). 5.1 Which of the following figures could represent the electrostatic potential these source charges would create, measuring along the x-axis (i.e., a horizontal line along y = 0)? (pick only one.) 5.2 If a positive test charge were constrained to move along the x-axis, about what point could it oscillate? A. x = 0 B. x = -1 C. x = +1 D. x = -2 E. x = +2 F. There is no point about which it could oscillate. 5.3 Using the figure of the potential that you selected for Problem 5.1, determine the direction (positive P, negative N, or no direction 0) of the x-component of the electric field at (x, y) = (2, 0).

Explanation / Answer

since all the charges are at line y = 2, and all of them are negative from symmetry, point at origin has maximum -ve potential
hence from the graphs, Graph B is the right answer

The +ve charge would osscillate about the point with minimum potential energy, that is point origin
so, A , x = 0

at (x,y) = (2,0)
dV/dx = +ve
so, E = -dV/dx = -ve
so, E is directred towards -ve x axis

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