Here part A as the forces between each pair of charges will

Here ,

part A) as the forces between each pair of charges will be equal in magnitude and oposite in direction

for the force on charge 1 to match with force on charge 2

as when placed on the line C , the force lines of charge 2 and 1 will match .

part B)

NOw , as the force due to charge 3 must be horizontal along D on charge 1 , and the force between 1 and 3 is attractive ,

the charge 3 must be placed at D

Placing Charges Conceptual Question Part A Below are free-body diagrams for three electric charges that lie in the same plane. Their relative positions are unknown. There are two forces shown on each charge These two forces represent the force exerted on the charge by each of the other two charges. Along which of the lines (A to H) in (Figure 1) should charge 2 be placed so that the free-body diagrams of charge 1 and charge 2 are consistent? Note that only one of the forces on each charge will be consistent. The other force on each charge will be addressed in Part B with the introduction of charge 3. Submit Hints My Answers Give Up Review Part Figure 1 of 3 Correct Charge 2 Part B Charge Along which of the lines (A to H) in (Figure 2) should charge 3 be placed so that the free-body diagrams of charge 1, charge 2, and charge Charge 3 Submit My Answers Give Up , G Correct | Figure 2 of 3 Part C Along which of the lines (A to H) in (Figure 3) should charge 2 be placed so that the free-body diagrams of charge 1 and charge 2 are consistent? Note that only one of the forces on each charge will be consistent. The other force on each charge will be addressed in Part D with the introduction of charge 3. Charge 2 My Answers Give Up Charge I Charge 3 Part D This question will be shown after you complete previous question(s). | Figure 3 of 3 Charge 2 Charge I Charge 3G

Solution

part C) as the forces on the charge 2 are smaller ,

the smaller force on charge 1 must be due to charge 2

Now , hence , the horizontal force on the charge 1 must be due to A ,

as both 1 and 2 are negative , force between them is repulsive

the charge 2 must be placed along H