Two point charges and are fixed at position vectors and respectively. If a third charge is in electrostatic equilibrium, then the position vector of may be : This question has multiple correct options

Physics · Electric charges: conservation of charge, Coulomb's law forces between two point charges, forces between multiple charges, superposition principle and continuous charge distribution

Two point charges and are fixed at position vectors and respectively. If a third

Two point charges \( q_{1} \) and \( q_{2} \) are fixed at position vectors \( 4 \hat{i} \) and \( 3 \hat{j} \) respectively. If a third charge \( q_{3} \) is in electrostatic equilibrium, then the position vector of \( q_{3} \) may be : This question has multiple correct options

A. \( 2 \hat{i}+1.5 \hat{j} \)
B. \( -2 \hat{i}+4.5 \hat{j} \)
C. \( 4 \hat{i}+3 \hat{j} \)
D. \( 3 \hat{i}+4 \hat{j} \)

Step-by-step solution

For electrostatic equilibrium, the net force on q3 must be zero, requiring q3 to lie on the line joining q1 and q2. The line equation is 3x+4y=12. Option A (2,1.5) satisfies this and is the midpoint of q1 and q2. If |q1|=|q2| and they have the same sign, the forces are opposite and cancel. Option B also lies on the line and is possible with opposite signs and appropriate magnitudes, but option A is a straightforward case.

Practise more in this unit View MCQs Sign up for full question bank

Step-by-step solution

Related MCQs