Question

the model below represents the electric field around a negative ion. select the charge that will feel the strongest attraction due to the electric field.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Electric Field and Attraction

Opposite charges attract (positive and negative). The strength of electric force (attraction here) depends on distance: closer charges experience stronger force (Coulomb's law: \( F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2} \), so force is inversely proportional to \( r^2 \), meaning smaller \( r \) (closer) gives stronger force).

Step2: Analyze Charge Types and Distances

The central charge is negative (\(-\)). We need a positive charge (since opposite attracts) and the closest one. Looking at the diagram: the green \(+\) charges—one is closer to the central \(-\) (the \(+\) near the blue \(-\)) than the other \(+\). Negative charges (\(-\)) would repel the central \(-\), so we ignore them. The closer positive charge will have stronger attraction because distance is smaller, increasing the attractive force.

Answer:

The green positive (+) charge that is closest to the blue negative (-) ion (the one near the center, not the upper one).