Two identical positive point charges are fixed at positions and on the -axis

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Two identical positive point charges are fixed at positions

(-d,0)

and

(+d,0)

on the

x

-axis. A small negative test charge is placed at the point

(0,d)

. Which of the following best describes the direction of the net electric force acting on the test charge? (a) Directly toward the positive

y

-direction (b) Directly toward the positive

x

-direction (c) Directly toward the negative

y

-direction (d) At

45^{\circ}

below the

+x

-axis (toward the southeast)