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Twelve identical point charges q are equally spaced around
Chapter 19, Problem 96GP(choose chapter or problem)
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.
Questions & Answers
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.
ANSWER:
Solution 96GP
Step 1 of 2
- 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.