each sketch below shows three objects with an electric charge. in each case, decide whether there is a net…

each sketch below shows three objects with an electric charge. in each case, decide whether there is a net force acting on the object outlined in green. if there is a net force, decide whether it pushes the green - ring object to the left or right. then select the appropriate button under the sketch. for example, if there is a net force pushing the green - ring object in the first sketch to the left, select the left button under the first sketch. if there is no net force on the green - ring object in the second sketch, select the middle button under the second sketch. and so on.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall Coulomb's law
The force between two charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ separated by a distance $r$ is given by $F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}$, where $k$ is the Coulomb's constant. Like - charges repel and opposite - charges attract.
Step2: Analyze the first case
Let the green - ring object be the middle one. The left charge $q_1=- 1$ and the right charge $q_2=-3$. Both are negative, so they repel the middle negative charge. The force from the left charge $F_1$ and from the right charge $F_2$. Since $|q_2|>|q_1|$ and assuming equal distances (if not given otherwise), the net force on the middle (green - ring) object is to the left.
Step3: Analyze the second case
The left charge $q_1=-1$ and the right charge $q_2 = - 1$, and the middle (green - ring) object is positive ($q = + 3$). The left charge attracts the middle charge with force $F_1$ and the right charge attracts the middle charge with force $F_2$. Since the magnitudes of the left and right charges are equal and assuming equal distances, the net force on the middle (green - ring) object is zero.
Step4: Analyze the third case
The left charge $q_1=+3$, the middle (green - ring) object has charge $q=-2$, and the right charge $q_2 = + 2$. The left positive charge attracts the middle negative charge with force $F_1$ and the right positive charge attracts the middle negative charge with force $F_2$. Since $|q_1|>|q_2|$ and assuming equal distances, the net force on the middle (green - ring) object is to the left.
Answer:
Left, None, Left