Physics

Problem

A point charge

Q_{1}=4\,\mu\text{C}

is fixed at the origin

O(0,0)

. Another point charge

Q_{2}=-3\,\mu\text{C}

is fixed on the

y

–axis at

P(0,3\,\text{cm})

. A test charge

q=2\,\mu\text{C}

is placed at

Q(4\,\text{cm},0)

on the

x

–axis. (a) Calculate the magnitudes of the individual forces acting on the test charge due to

Q_{1}

and

Q_{2}

separately. (b) Determine, by resolving each force into components, the magnitude and direction of the net force on the test charge. (c) The algebraic sum of the three charges is only

+3\,\mu\text{C}

, much smaller than their individual magnitudes. Explain briefly why, despite this, the net force obtained in part (b) is not small or zero. a. (a) Individual force magnitudes b. (b) Vector addition to find net force c. (c) Conceptual explanation of non-cancellation

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