Textbook Question
Two 10-cm-diameter charged rings face each other, 20 cm apart. The left ring is charged to −20 nC and the right ring is charged to +20 nC. What is the force on a proton at the midpoint?
42
views
24. Electric Force & Field; Gauss' Law
Coulomb's Law (Electric Force)
Struggling with Physics?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the direction of the net force on the charge at the center of the square in the following figure?
A
Right
B
Left
C
Down
D
The net force is 0 so its direction is undefined
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the charges and their positions: The central charge is +2C, and the charges at the corners of the square are -2C and +2C, alternating.
Understand the forces involved: The force between two charges is given by Coulomb's Law, \( F = k \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2} \), where \( k \) is Coulomb's constant, \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the magnitudes of the charges, and \( r \) is the distance between the charges.
Calculate the forces on the central charge due to each corner charge: Since the charges are symmetrically placed, calculate the force from one charge and use symmetry to determine the net force.
Consider the direction of each force: The force between like charges is repulsive, and between unlike charges is attractive. Determine the direction of the force vectors from each corner charge to the central charge.
Sum the forces vectorially: Add the force vectors from each corner charge to find the net force on the central charge. Consider the symmetry and cancellation of forces to determine the net direction.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Coulomb's Law (Electric Force) practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations