Understanding Electric Fields: Measuring the Electric Field at a Point P

[shashankdubey]

Homework Statement

A negatively charged metallic ball is supported on an insulating stand.We wish to measure the electric field at a point P in the same horizontal level as that of the metallic ball.To do so,we put a positive charge q and measure F/q.The electric field at the point P is
a)=F/q
b)<F/q
c)>F/q

the answer given is <F/q...i can't understand how..

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[ehild]

The electric field of a point charge or a charged ball is considered positive if it points away from the charge. The electric field around a negative charge is negative. If F is the magnitude of force than E=-F/q.

ehild