Mastering Physics Solutions

masteringphysics

NTRO:

Three positively charged particles, with charges q1=q, q2=2q, and q3=q (where q>0), are located at the corners of a square with sides of length d. The charge q2 is located diagonally from the remaining (empty) corner.

Find the magnitude of the resultant electric field Enet in the empty corner of the square.

PART A:

Below is an incomplete pictorial representation of the situation described in this problem. Complete the sketch by drawing the electric field due to each charge at point P. Make sure that all your vectors have the correct orientation.

The orientation of your vectors will be graded. The length of your vectors will not be graded.

SOLUTION:

Very obvious. The direction of the electric field is the same as the connecting line between the charge and point P

PART B:

Now, consider the resultant electric field Enet at P. With reference to the coordinate system shown in the previous part, which component of Enet, if any, is zero in this problem?

only the x component

only the y component

both the x and y components

neither the x nor the y component

SOLUTION:

none of the components is zero, so the last option is correct

neither the x nor the y component