Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the direction of electric field lines around a positive point charge?

Accepted Answer

They point radially outward away from the charge.

Question 2

A student rubs a balloon on their hair and then sticks it to a wall. Which principle best explains why the balloon sticks?

Accepted Answer

The balloon becomes electrically charged and induces an opposite charge on the wall, resulting in attraction.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct vector component form for a force vector $$\vec{F}$$ with $$F_x = 3 N $$and $$F_y = -4 N$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\vec{F} = 3\hat{\imath} - 4\hat{\jmath}$$

Question 4

Two point charges, $$+Q$$ and $$+2Q$$, are separated by a distance $$d. $$Where should a third charge be placed along the line between them so that the net force on it is zero?

Accepted Answer

At a distance $$0.41d$$ from the $$+Q$$ charge.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes why metals are good conductors of both electricity and heat?

Accepted Answer

Metals have free electrons that can transfer both charge and energy.

Question 6

Given two charges $$q_1 at$$ $$(-a, a)$$ and $$q_2 at$$ $$(a, -a)$$, both with charge $$q$$, what is the distance between them?

Accepted Answer

$$2\sqrt{2}a$$

Question 7

If two pieces of tape, both labeled 'T' (top), are brought near each other after being prepared as described in the sticky tape experiment, what will happen?

Accepted Answer

They will repel each other.

Question 8

Which equation correctly expresses Coulomb's Law for the magnitude of the force between two point charges $$q_1$$ and $$q_2$$ separated by distance $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$F = k \frac{|q_1$ q_2$|}{r^2$}$$

Question 9

A charge $$q_1 is at$$ $$(-a, a)$$ and $$q_2 is at$$ $$(a, 0). $$Both have charge $$+q. $$What is the magnitude of the force of $$q_1 on$$ $$q_2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$F = k \frac{q^2$}{5a^2$}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a violation of the George Mason University Honor Code in the context of this physics course?

Accepted Answer

Using a cleared scientific calculator during exams.

Question 11

A force vector is given by $$\vec{F} = 2\hat{\imath} - 5\hat{\jmath} N. $$What is the magnitude of this vector?

Accepted Answer

$$\sqrt{29} N$$

Question 12

Which property of electric charge is described by the statement: 'Charge cannot be created nor destroyed; total is unchanged in a closed system'?

Accepted Answer

Charge is conserved.

Question 13

If two metal spheres attract each other when brought close, which of the following is NOT a possible explanation?

Accepted Answer

Both spheres have the same type of net charge.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the principle of superposition as it applies to electric forces?

Accepted Answer

The total force on a charge is the vector sum of the individual forces from all other charges.

Question 15

A charge $$q_1 is at$$ $$(-a, 0)$$ and $$q_2 is at$$ $$(0, 3a)$$. $$q_1 = -q$, q_2$ = +q. $$What is the direction of the force on $$q_2$$ due to $$q_1$$?

Accepted Answer

Downward and to the left (Quadrant III)

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the electric field lines for a negative point charge?

Accepted Answer

They point radially inward toward the charge.

Question 17

If the sign of one of two interacting charges is reversed, what happens to the direction and magnitude of the force between them?

Accepted Answer

The magnitude stays the same, but the direction reverses.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the unit vector $$\hat{r} in $$Coulomb's Law?

Accepted Answer

It points from the charge exerting the force to the charge experiencing the force.

University Physics II: Electric Charge, Forces, and Vectors – Step-by-Step Study Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards