Electric Potential Integral Question Confused

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the potential due to a point charge using the equation V=Kq/R and integrating it over a rod. There is confusion about the wording and which integrals to use, but ultimately the goal is to find the correct numerator and denominator to calculate the potential at a specific point along the rod.
  • #1
lorx99
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Homework Statement


upload_2018-10-6_15-56-57.png


Homework Equations


E=KQ/R^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm kinda confused at what the question is asked. It is in terms of x, but I thought the integral for potential is V=int(Edr)? Also, should it be integration starting from infinity? Why is the integration from -2 to 3?. I'm just confused by the wording...
 

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  • #2
Potential due to a point charge is given by
V=Kq/R
You can use this to write potential due to a small element and then integrate.
 
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  • #3
First look at the five integrands. You can discard some of them because they have the wrong numerator. This means you have to find the correct numerator.

Then look at the denominators of the integrals that passed the previous test. The integrand is the contribution to the potential from charge ##dq## placed at point ##x## along the rod. This includes the ends. Substitute the positions of the ends of the rod for ##x## and see if you get the potential at ##x=5~m## from a point charge placed there.
 

Related to Electric Potential Integral Question Confused

1. What is an electric potential integral and how is it different from electric potential?

An electric potential integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the electric potential at a certain point in space. It takes into account the distance from a reference point and the amount of charge present in the system. Electric potential, on the other hand, is a scalar quantity that represents the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field.

2. How is electric potential integral different from electric field?

Electric potential integral and electric field are related but different concepts. The electric field represents the force per unit charge at a specific point in space, whereas electric potential integral represents the work done per unit charge to move a test charge from one point to another in an electric field. In simpler terms, electric field determines the force acting on a charge, while electric potential integral determines the energy required to move a charge.

3. What are the units of electric potential integral?

The units of electric potential integral are volts (V) or joules per coulomb (J/C). This is because electric potential integral is a measure of energy per unit charge, and both volts and joules per coulomb represent this ratio.

4. How is the electric potential integral calculated?

The electric potential integral is calculated by taking the integral of the electric field along a given path. This is done by multiplying the electric field by the distance traveled and taking the sum of these values. The result is the change in electric potential between the starting and ending points of the path.

5. Why is electric potential integral important in physics and engineering?

Electric potential integral is an important concept in physics and engineering because it helps us understand and quantify the behavior of charges in electric fields. It is used in a variety of applications, such as designing electronic circuits, calculating the potential energy of a charge in a given electric field, and understanding the behavior of particles in particle accelerators. Without an understanding of electric potential integral, many important technological advancements would not be possible.

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