Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 23 - The Electric Field - Stop to Think 23.1 - Page 635: 1

Answer

UP

Work Step by Step

Electric field lines point away from positive charges and towards negative charges. Here, because the two positive point charges are in the same plane/axis, the $x$-component of $\vec{E}$ will cancel out. Since there is a negative test charge above the dot, the electric field caused by this negative test charge points toward it in the upward direction. Since both the positive test charges cancel out, the only electric field at that point in space is due to the negative test charge, and therefore the electric field vector points UPWARD.
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