Two equal, opposite charges are fixed at a distance d. Positive charge is at the right and negative at the left position. As shown below: X - Y + Z. At which position, the net electric field is directed to the left?
Correct answer: D. Y only
- A. X, Y and Z
- B. X only
- C. X and Z only
- D. Y only
Explanation
In the given configuration of charges X, Y, and Z, the net electric field directed to the left can be determined by considering the individual electric fields produced by each charge and their vector sum.Let's analyze the situation:Charge X: Since it is negative (-), its electric field points towards the charge in all directions.Charge Z: Since it is positive (+), its electric field points away from the charge in all directions.Now, let's consider the net electric field at each position:A. At position X:The electric field at position X is due to charges X and Z. Both contribute to the electric field directed towards X. The net electric field at X due to negative charge will be towards the right of X, because it will be directed towards X. While due to positive charge it will be towards left but since positive charge is far away, its impact will belesser than that of negative charge. Hence, the net electric field will be due to negative charge i.e., towards right.B. At position Y:The electric field at position Y is due to charges X and Z. Charge Y's electric field points towards the left. Charge X and Z contribute to the electric field pointing to the left. The net electric field at Y points to the left.C. At position Z:The electric field at position Z is due to charges X and Z. Both contribute to the electric field directed away from Z. The electric field at Z due to positive charge will be towards right and due to negative charge will be towards left but because it is far away, the impact of negative charge field will be lesser. Hence, the net electric field will be towards right.So, at position Y, the net electric field is directed to the left.
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