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 687: 72

Answer

(a) less than (b) II

Work Step by Step

We know that $F_A=F_2-F_1=0$ and $F_B=\sqrt{F_1^2+F_2^2+2F_1F_2cos\theta}\gt 0$ $\implies F_B\gt F_A$ If the change at A is positive, then the resultant force due to charges on either side is $F_A=0$. The net force experienced by the positive charge at point B is greater than zero: $F_B\gt F_A$. (b) We know that the best explanation is option (II) -- that is, the net force at point A cancels. Therefore, the nonzero net force at point B is greater in magnitude than the zero net force at point A.
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