Figure (a) shows an arrangement of three charged particles separted by distance d. Particles A and C are fixed on the x-axis, but particle B can be moved along a circle centered on particle A. During the movement, a radial line between A and B makes an angle `theta` relative to the positive direction of the x-axis (Fig. b). The curves in Fig. c give, for two situations, the magnitude `F_("net")` of the net electrostatic force on particle A due to the other particles. That net force if given as a function of angle `theta` and as a multiple of a basic amount `F_(0)`. For example on curve 1, at `theta=180^(@)` we see that `F_("net")=2F_(0)`. (a) For the situation corresponding to curve 1, what is the ratio of the charge of particle C to that of particle B (including sign)? (b) For the situation corresponding to curve 2, what is that ratio?

Answer

(a) `-4` (b) 16