1. The problem states that the electrostatic force $F$ between two charges varies inversely with the square of the distance $r$ between them. This is expressed as: $$F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$$ where $k$ is Coulomb's constant, and $q_1$, $q_2$ are the magnitudes of the charges. 2. Two positive charges repel each other, not attract. The force between like charges is repulsive, so the statement that two positive charges have an attractive force is incorrect. 3. If two charges are placed along the x-axis, the net electrostatic force on a third charge placed along the same line will also be along the x-axis. This is because the forces are vector quantities along the line connecting the charges. There is no component of force along the y-axis in this configuration. Therefore, the correct understanding is: - Electrostatic force follows an inverse-square law. - Like charges repel, opposite charges attract. - Forces between charges aligned on the x-axis produce net forces along the x-axis only, no y-axis component. Final answers: - Statement 1 is true. - Statement 2 is false. - Statement 3 is false.