The figure to the right shows two charged particles: an electron labeled e and a

Question

The figure to the right shows two charged particles: an electron labeled e and a proton labeled p. The two particles are a distance d apart and the electron is a distance d from the point a. What is the direction of the electric field at the point a? Select One of the Following: (a) The electric field is zero. (b) The electric field points in the positive x direction. (c) The electric field points in the negative x direction. (d) The electric field points in the positive y direction. (e) The electric field points in the negative y direction.

Explanation / Answer

Electric field at a point is given as

E = kq/r2    where q = charge , r = distance from the charge

greater the distance , smaller is the electric field

magnitude of Charge on electron e and proton P is same.

At point a, Electric field by 'e' is towards right and is larger as compared to electric field by proton "P" because of being closer to point 'a'

At point a, Electric field by 'p' is towards left and is smaller

So net electric field = electric field by 'e' - Electric field by 'p'

Hence the direction of electric field is towards right and Electric field by ''e' is larger

So Positive X-direction

b)

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