Question

In figure two positive charges q₂ and q₃ fixed along the y-axis, exert a net electric force in the + x-direction on a charge q₁ fixed along the x-axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), the force on q₁ ______.

(1)

(2)

Options

• shall increase along the positive x-axis

• shall decrease along the positive x-axis

• shall point along the negative x-axis

• shall increase but the direction changes because of the intersection of Q with q₂ and q₃

Answer 1

In figure two positive charges q₂ and q₃ fixed along the y-axis, exert a net electric force in the + x-direction on a charge q₁ fixed along the x-axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), the force on q₁ shall increase along the positive x-axis.