Chapter 22, Problem 3Q

In Fig. 22-24, two particles of charge −q are arranged symmetrically about the y axis; each produces an electric field at point P on that axis, (a) Are the magnitudes of the fields at P equal? (b) Is each electric field directed toward or away from the charge producing it? (c) Is the magnitude of the net electric field at P equal to the sum of the magnitudes E of the two field vectors (is it equal to 2E)? (d) Do the x components of those two field vectors add or cancel? (e) Do their y components add or cancel? (f) Is the direction of the net field at P that of the canceling components or the adding components? (g) What is the direction of the net field?

Figure 22-24 Question 3.