Two identical positive point charges are fixed 4 cm apart on a horizontal line
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Two identical positive point charges are fixed 4 cm apart on a horizontal line, one at the left end and one at the right end. A student’s vector map shows an arrow of equal length E0 pointing directly right at a point 1 cm to the right of the left charge and an arrow of the same length E0 pointing directly left at a point 1 cm to the left of the right charge. Which vector best represents the electric field that would be drawn at the midpoint between the two charges?
(a) A short arrow pointing straight upward.
(b) A long arrow pointing to the right, equal in length to E0.
(c) No arrow would be drawn because the electric field is approximately zero at that point.
(d) A short arrow pointing to the right.