Question

A rigid insulated rod, with two unequal charges attached to its ends, is placed in a uniform electric field E as shown above. The rod experiences a

(A) net force to the left and a clockwise rotation

(B) net force to the left and a counterclockwise rotation

(C) net force to the right and a clockwise rotation

(D) net force to the right and a counterclockwise rotation

(E) rotation, but no net force

Answer 1

The correct option is: (B) net force to the left and a counterclockwise rotation

Explanation:

The force on the upper charge is to the left and twice the magnitude of the force on the bottom charge, which is to the right. This makes the net force to the left and the torque on the rod to be counterclockwise.