Zero Electric potential and null electric field

AI Thread Summary
The statement that zero electric potential implies a null electric field is false. An example is provided with two charges, +5C and -4C, where the potential can be zero at a point between them, yet the electric field is not null. The relationship between electric field and electric potential indicates that a zero potential does not equate to zero field strength. This is analogous to a particle that can have zero velocity while still experiencing acceleration. Understanding this distinction is crucial in electrostatics.
fmilano
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Hi,


I've this true/false statement: "If the electric potential is zero in some point of space, then the electric field in that point should be null"

I think this statement is false: the electric field might be generated for example by two charges: +5C and -4C separated by 2 meters. There is a point in between them where the potential is zero (the electric potential is also zero in the infinite) but in that point the electric field vector is not null.

Am I right? I would really appreciate any help

Thanks,

Federico
 
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That is correct. The electric field is related to the derivative of the electric potential so you can draw an analogy to a particle which is undergoing some acceleration. Just because the velocity is zero at some point does not mean that the particle is not accelerating at that point.
 
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