Two points, P and R, are equidistant from the positively charged object, A. They are on opposite sides of the charged object. Is the electric field at point R equal in magnitude and direction when compared to point P? Or is it equal in magnitude but opposite in direction?

opposite direction.

Thx. :)

To determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at points P and R, we need to consider the properties of electric field lines and the behavior of positive charges. The electric field direction is always defined as the direction in which a positive test charge would be pushed or pulled.

In this scenario, we have a positively charged object A. Electric field lines start at positive charges and extend towards negative charges. Since A is positively charged, the electric field lines radiate outward from A in all directions.

Now, let's analyze points P and R. Since they are equidistant from the charged object A and on opposite sides of it, the electric field lines passing through these points will be symmetrical.

At point P, the electric field lines will be directed outward from the positively charged object A. Therefore, the electric field at point P will have a certain magnitude and direction.

At point R, on the other hand, the electric field lines must also be directed outward from the positively charged object A due to the symmetry. However, since point R is on the opposite side of the charged object compared to point P, the direction of the electric field at point R would be opposite to the direction at point P.

In summary, the magnitude of the electric field at point R will be the same as the magnitude at point P since both points are equidistant from the charged object A. However, the direction of the electric field at point R will be opposite to the direction at point P due to the positioning of the points on opposite sides of the charged object.