Three long conducting plates A, B and C carry charges +q, -2q and +q as shown. Plates A and C are fixed. If switch S is closed and l₁ > l₂, determine the initial direction of motion of the middle plate B.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Compute the electric pressure on the two sides of plate B from the surface-charge fields. Because λ₁>λ₂, the net force is toward the right. Hence B.

Three long conducting plates A, B and C carry charges +q, -2q and +q as shown. Plates A and C are fixed. If switch S is closed and l₁ &gt; l₂, determine the initial direction of motion of the middle plate B.

Three long conducting plates A, B and C carry charges +q, -2q and +q as shown. Plates A and C are fixed. If switch S is closed and l₁ > l₂, determine the initial direction of motion of the middle plate B.