Question

Particles of charge Q and –4Q are located on the x–axis as shown in the figure above. Assume the particles are isolated from all other charges.

Which of the following describes the direction of the electric field at point P?

(A) +x 

(B) +y 

(C) –y

(D) Components in both the –x and +y directions

(E) Components in both the +x and –y directions

Answer 1

The correct option is: (E) Components in both the +x and –y directions

Explanation:

At point P, the field due to charge Q points up and to the right and the field due to charge –4Q is larger in magnitude and points down and to the right. Due to the asymmetry, no components will cancel.