Physics

Problem

Two identical point charges

+q

are located at

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

and

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

. Let

\mathbf F_{12}

be the electrostatic force on the charge at

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

due to the charge at

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

, and

\mathbf F_{21}

be the force on the charge at

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

due to the other. Which statement is correct? a)

\mathbf F_{12}

and

\mathbf F_{21}

are equal both in magnitude and direction. b) Both forces are zero because the electric fields produced by the charges cancel each other. c)

\mathbf F_{12}

and

\mathbf F_{21}

have the same magnitude but opposite directions. d)

\mathbf F_{12}

is twice

\mathbf F_{21}

in magnitude and along the same direction.