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MCAT Physics Question — Positive Charges

A mobile positive charge Qa is placed a distance “d” from a fixed positive charge Qb of equal magnitude. When released from rest, the positive charge Qa will:

 

A. accelerate away from Qb.

B. circle Qb along an equipotential electric field line.

C. accelerate towards Qb.

D. remain in place while doubling the electrical potential at a point located at d/2 between the charges.

Click for Explanation

Two positive point charges will repel each other. The mobile charge will accelerate away from the fixed charge.

A. accelerate away from Qb. correct.

B. circle Qb along an equipotential electric field line. incorrect, Qa will accelerate away from Qb in a direction defined by the shortest path between the charges.

C. accelerate towards Qb. incorrect, Like charges repel each other.

D. remain in place while doubling the electrical potential at a point located at d/2 between the charges. incorrect, The mobile charge will accelerate away from the fixed charge.

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