Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 22 - Electric Fields - Questions - Page 651: 6c

Answer

We can rank the situations according to the magnitude of the net electric field: $(1) = (2) \gt (3)$

Work Step by Step

We can consider the electric field at point $P_3$ In case (1), the electric field from Ring A is directed to the right, while the electric field from Ring B is directed to the right. The magnitude of the net electric field is the sum of the magnitudes of the electric field due to Ring A and the electric field due to Ring B. In case (2), the electric field from Ring A is directed to the left, while the electric field from Ring B is directed to the right. The magnitude of the net electric field is the sum of the magnitudes of the electric field due to Ring A and the electric field due to Ring B. Note that the magnitudes of the electric fields due to Ring A and Ring B are that same as in case (1), but point in the opposite direction. In case (3), the electric field from Ring A is directed to the left, while the electric field from Ring B is directed to the right. The magnitude of the net electric field is the difference of the magnitudes of the electric field due to Ring A and the electric field due to Ring B. We can rank the situations according to the magnitude of the net electric field: $(1) = (2) \gt (3)$
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