Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 19 - Electric Charges, Forces, and Fields - Problems and Conceptual Exercises - Page 684: 24

Answer

$\mathrm{F}_{1} \lt F_{2} \lt F_{4} \lt F_{3} \lt F_{5}$.

Work Step by Step

A spherical distribution of charge, when viewed from outside, behaves the same as an equivalent point charge at the center of the sphere. A charge inside the sphere experiences no force. So, we use Coulomb's law with Q acting as a point charge:$\quad F=k\displaystyle \frac{Qq}{\mathrm{d}^{2}}$, $F_{1}=0,\ \quad$ (inside the sphere) $F_{2}=k\displaystyle \frac{Q(2q)}{(3\mathrm{d})^{2}}=\frac{2}{9}F$, $F_{3}=k\displaystyle \frac{Q(-3q)}{(2\mathrm{d})^{2}}=-\frac{3}{4}F$, $F_{4}=k\displaystyle \frac{Q(-4q)}{(3\mathrm{d})^{2}}=-\frac{4}{9}F$, and $F_{5}=k\displaystyle \frac{Q(-5q)}{(2\mathrm{d})^{2}}=-\frac{5}{4}F$. Ranking the magnitudes $\mathrm{F}_{1} \lt F_{2} \lt F_{4} \lt F_{3} \lt F_{5}$.
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