PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Two identical positive point charges, each of charge +5.0μC, are fixed in space on the x–axis at x=−0.20m and x=+0.20m. A point P is located on the positive y–axis at y=0.30m.
Assume vacuum conditions and neglect all other influences.
(a) Identify the direction of the net electric field at point P relative to the coordinate axes.
(b) Describe qualitatively how the vector contributions from the two charges combine to give the direction you stated in part (a). In your explanation, refer explicitly to symmetry and to the components of the individual field vectors.
(c) The charges are simultaneously doubled to +10.0μC each while their positions remain unchanged. Explain whether the direction and the magnitude of the net electric field at P change, and justify your answer.