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A total charge $q$ is divided as $q_1$ and $q_2$ which are kept at two of the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The magnitude of the electric field $E$ at the third vertex of the triangle is to be depicted schematically as a function of $x=q_1 / q$. Choose the correct figure.




Solution

(c)
When $q_1$ and $q_2$ are the magnitudes of charges at two vertices of an equilateral triangle of side $a$, magnitude of electric field at third vertex is
$E=\sqrt{\left(\frac{k q_1}{a}\right)^2+\left(\frac{k q_2}{a}\right)^2+\frac{2 k^2 q_1 q_2}{a^2} \cos 60^{\circ}}$
$=\frac{k}{a} \sqrt{q_1^2+q_2^2+q_1 q_2}$
$=\frac{k}{a} \sqrt{q_1^2+\left(q-q_1\right)^2+q_1\left(q-q_1\right)}$
$=\frac{k}{a q}\left(\sqrt{\left(\frac{q_1}{q}\right)^2+1-\left(\frac{q_1}{q}\right)}\right)$
$=\frac{k}{a q}\left(\sqrt{\left.\left(\frac{q_1}{q}-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2+\frac{3}{4}\right)}\right.$
So, field is minimum when $\frac{q_1}{q}=\frac{1}{2}$.
This condition is satisfied in graph $(c)$.