Question

Five equal point charges, each +q, are placed at five of the six vertices of a regular hexagon of side length a. What is the magnitude of the electric field at the center of the hexagon?

• A. kq/a\(^2\)
• B. 2kq/a\(^2\)
• C. 0
• D. kq/2a\(^2\)

Hint:

For symmetric arrangements of charges, if one charge is missing, the net field at the center is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the field that would have been produced by that missing charge alone. This shortcut significantly simplifies calculations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A