Twelve identical point charges q are equally spaced around | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics with MasteringPhysics

Chapter 19 Problem 96GP

Question

Problem 96GP

Twelve identical point charges q are equally spaced around the circumference of a circle of radius R. The circle is centered al the origin. One of the twelve charges, which happens to be on the positive x axis, is now moved to the center of the circle. Find (a) the direction and (b) the magnitude of the net electric force exerted on this charge.

Solution

Solution 96GP

Step 1 of 2

  1. Here we need to find the direction of the force on the charge at the center of the circle.

In the given case, the charges are placed at equal distances around the circumference of the circle. As the pairs of charges at the opposite end of the circle are identical, they apply a repulsive force with equal magnitude in the opposite direction on the charge at the center of the circle, such forces get cancelled with each other.

Therefore, the only net force on the charge at the center will be repulsive force from the charge on the negative x-axis. This repulsive force will be along positive x-axis.


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Title Physics with MasteringPhysics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321541635

Twelve identical point charges q are equally spaced around

Chapter 19 textbook questions

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