Four point charges, each of magnitude q, are located at the corners of a square

Question

Four point charges, each of magnitude q, are located at the corners of a square with sides of length a. Two of the charges are +q, and two are -q. The charges are arranged in the following way: (1) the charges alternate in sign (+q,-q,+q,-q) as you go around the square; (2) the top two corners of the square have positive charges (+q,+q), and the bottom two corners have negative charges (-q,-q). 1. In which case will the electric field at the center of the square have the greatest magnitude? configuration 1 or 2 2. Explain. 3. Calculate the magnitute of electric field at the center of the square for the first case. 4. Find the direction of electric field at the center of the square for the first case. (upward, downward, left or right)

Explanation / Answer

(1)

E = 0 N/C

as electric field by every other charge will cancel out.

(2)

E1 =k*q/2*a^2 +k*q/2*a^2 = k*q/a^2

E2 = k*q/2*a^2 +k*q/2*a^2 = k*q/a^2

E(net) = sqrt(2)*k*q/a^2

configuration (2) has greater magnitude.

(3)

E = 0 N/C

(4)

No direction

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse F
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.