Question

what would the mystery charge labeled \?\ have to be for this object to have a net electric charge of +1?
note for advanced students: you can assume charge is measured in any convenient units, e.g. coulombs or units of e. write down only the number part of your
answer
? = \boxed{}

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate sum of known charges

We have two \(+2\) charges and one \(-2\) charge. The sum of known charges is \(2 + 2+(-2)=2\).

Step2: Let the mystery charge be \(x\), set up equation

The net charge is \(+1\), so the sum of all charges (known + mystery) is \(1\). So \(2 + x=1\).

Step3: Solve for \(x\)

Subtract \(2\) from both sides: \(x = 1 - 2=-1\).

Answer:

\(-1\)