Question

Four protons are initially held at the corner of a square. They are then released from rest. What will be the resulting motion of the protons?

1) They will move towards the center of the square
2) They will move away from each other
3) They will move along the sides of the square
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The protons will move away from each other due to electrostatic repulsion, which means they experience a net outward force in accordance with Coulomb's law.

Step-by-step explanation:

When four protons are initially held at the corners of a square and then released from rest, they will move away from each other. This is because protons are positively charged particles, and according to Coulomb's law, like charges repel each other.

As there is no other force acting on them, each proton will experience a force of repulsion from the other three protons. Since all corners of the square are equivalent, each proton feels a net repulsive force that is directed outward. Therefore, the resulting motion of the protons will be to move away from each other, not towards the center, along the sides, or in some undetermined fashion.