A charge is fixed at the origin of an –axis

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electric Charges and Fields · Electric Charges and Fields

Problem

A charge q1=+5 μCq_1 = +5\,\mu\text{C} is fixed at the origin of an xx–axis. A second charge q2=−4 μCq_2 = -4\,\mu\text{C} is placed on the axis at x=0.30 mx = 0.30\,\text{m}. The arrangement is in vacuum. (a) Compute the magnitude and direction of the force acting on q2q_2 due to q1q_1. State clearly whether the force is attractive or repulsive. (b) The magnitude of q1q_1 is now halved, the magnitude of q2q_2 is quadrupled and the separation between them is increased to 0.302 m0.30\sqrt{2}\,\text{m}. Without repeating a full calculation from first principles, determine the new force magnitude by appropriately scaling your result from part (i). (c) Compare the forces obtained in parts (i) and (ii). Comment on how simultaneous changes in charges and distance can reinforce or counteract each other in determining the net force magnitude.

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