What is a fColumb? Finding Net Electric potential, still wrong

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to find the net electric potential at a specific point due to four charged particles, with a given charge value and distance. The context involves electric potential and the use of the formula related to point charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster shares their calculation method and expresses uncertainty about the conversion of charge units, questioning the meaning of "fC". Other participants clarify the prefix "f" as femto and provide the corresponding numerical value.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the original poster's understanding of units and the formula for electric potential. Some participants provide helpful definitions and confirm the unit conversion, contributing to a more informed approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a potential error in their calculation related to the distance of one charge from point P and expresses concern about their remaining attempts to solve the problem.

mr_coffee
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I'm suppose to find the net electric potential at point P due to the four particles, if V = 0 at infinity, q = 5.50 fC, and d = 3.00cm?
THe picture is here: http://www.webassign.net/hrw/hrw7_24-33.gif
I used V = (5.50/.03 + 5.50/.03 - 5.50/.03 - 5.50/(.06));
I noticed that the very end negative charge is 2d away from P not just d. But i only have 2 more chances left to get it right. so i found V = 6.37E-10 V. But I never converted 5.50 fC to just C. So I'm assuming my answer is off slightly, anyone know what fC stands for also, do yuou know if I'm right? Thanks!]
 
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The potential at a distance r from a point charge is [itex]k q/r[/itex]. The prefix "f" stands for femto, which means [itex]10^{-15}[/itex].
 
awesome, thanks guys, it worked great!
 

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