In the figure, two positive charges \(q_2\) and \(q_3\) fixed along the \(y\)-axis, exert a net electric force in the \(+x\text-\)direction on a charge \(q_1\) fixed along the \(x\)-axis. If a positive charge \(Q\) is added at \((x, 0),\) the force on \(q_1\):
| 1. | shall increase along the positive \(x\)-axis. |
| 2. | shall decrease along the positive \(x\)-axis. |
| 3. | shall point along the negative \(x\)-axis. |
| 4. | shall increase but the direction changes because of the intersection of \(Q\) with \(q_2\) and \(q_3\). |
Hint: Use Coulomb's law.
Step 1: The net force on q1 by q2 and q3 is along the +x-direction, so the nature of force between q1, q2 and q1, q3 is attractive. This can be represented by the figure given below.
The attractive force between these charges states that q1 is a negative charge (since q2 and q3 are positive).
Step 2: Thus, the nature of force between q1 and newly introduced charge Q (positive) is also attractive and the net force on q1 by q2, q3 and Q are along the same direction as given in the diagram below.
The figure given above clearly shows that the force on q1 shall increase along the positive x-axis due to the positive charge Q.
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