Question

Four point charges (with equal magnitude of charge of \( 5 \text{ C} \); but with different signs) are placed at four corners of a square of side \( 10 \text{ m} \). Assuming the square is centered at the origin, the potential and the magnitude of electric field at the origin are:

• A. $0 \text{ V}$ and $0 \text{ V/m}$
• B. $0 \text{ V}$ and $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{5}k \text{ V/m}$
• C. $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{5}k \text{ V}$ and $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{5}k \text{ V/m}$
• D. $0 \text{ V}$ and $5 \text{ V/m}$
• E. $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{5}k \text{ V}$ and $0 \text{ V/m}$

Hint:

Always check for symmetry[ 3]. If charges are equal and opposite across a point, the potential will be zero, but the electric field vectors might reinforce each other.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B