How do the charges in 3 cancel each other out in net electrostatic force?

[Salman Ali]

Here is the question no1 in image. A charge is in between . We will let it possitive or negative. The answer is 3,1,2 4...But how? Won't the charges in 3 cancel each other out because they are possitive at right and negative at left. One is attracting so the other is repelling.

 

[Doc Al]

One is attracting so the other is repelling.

And what direction is the force that each exerts on the center charge? (Do they add or subtract?)

 

[Salman Ali]

And what direction is the force that each exerts on the centre charge? (Do they add or subtract?)

if we let the centre charge to be positive then obviously the negative ones will attract it while the positive ones will repel it. Now the question is about the net electrostatic force. See these explanations.

 

[Doc Al]

if we let the centre charge to be positive then obviously the negative ones will attract it while the positive ones will repel it.

Well, then what is your question?

 

[Salman Ali]

Well, then what is your question?

I am still not getting it. Can you explain how in 3 the center has the highest net force?

 

[Doc Al]

Figure out the direction of the force that each charge exerts on the center charge.

Imagine this: One friend on your right pulls you toward him while a friend on your left pushes you away. Do those pushes/pulls cancel?

 

[Salman Ali]

Figure out the direction of the force that each charge exerts on the center charge.

Imagine this: One friend on your right pulls you toward him while a friend on your left pushes you away. Do those pushes/pulls cancel?

Got it bro! Thanks!