The set of lettered choices below refers to multiple questions. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set.
This question relates to a point charge fixed in position, as shown in the diagram. Five points near the charge and in the plane of the page are shown.
At which point will the magnitude of the electric field be least?
Select an Answer
Point A
Point B
Point C
Point D
Point E
View Correct Answer
The correct answer is point D because it is farthest away from the point charge . The magnitude of the electric field E at any location due to a point charge is inversely proportional to the square of the distance r from the location to the charge,
, so the greater the distance, the less the magnitude of the electric field.