Question

Consider the situation shown in the figure. What are the signs of q₁ and q₂? If the lines are drawn in proportion to the charges, what is the ratio q₁/q₂? 

Answer 1

The electric lines of force are entering charge q₁; so, it is negative. On the other hand, the lines of force are originating from charge q_​​​2; so, it is positive. If the lines are drawn in proportion to the charges, then 

`q_1/q_2 = 6/(-18)`

`⇒  q_1/q_2 = -1/3`

6 lines are entering q_​​​1 and 18 are coming out of q_​​​2.