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Ashu2912
Aug7-10, 02:54 AM
Consider a positive charge +q placed at the origin. Let A and b be two points in the space with position vectors rA and rB respectively. What will be the work done by an external force equal and opposite to the Coulumbic force, in moving a unit positive charge from A to B, irrespctive of the path AB???

I have derived it as W = kq ((1/rA) - (1/rB)), but my book tells that W = kq ((1/rB) - (1/rA)), where k = electrostatic constant. Please help me!!!!!!

zhermes
Aug7-10, 02:31 PM
Settle down tiger :p
The work done, is the change in energy

W = \Delta E = E_{final} - E_{initial}

You're just off by a minus sign.

Ashu2912
Aug8-10, 12:06 AM
Can you get me the derivation????

rock.freak667
Aug8-10, 12:15 AM
You already did the derivation, you are just off by a minus sign.