Another Question about Electric Potential

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric potential at the midpoints of the sides of an equilateral triangle formed by three charges. The charges are specified as +4.0 X 10^-6 C, +2.0 X 10^-6 C, and -4.0 X 10^-6 C, with the triangle having sides of length 2.0 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of calculating electric potential using the formula V=kq/r, questioning the appropriate distances to use for each charge relative to the midpoints. There is an exploration of how to combine the potentials from multiple charges.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing hints and clarifications regarding the distances to be used in the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the setup and the need to consider the charge opposite the midpoint.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of determining the correct distances for the electric potential calculations, particularly in relation to the geometry of the triangle and the positions of the charges.

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Homework Statement


Three charges are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides of length 2.0 m. Determine the electric potential at the midpoint of each side of the triangle. The three charges at the corners of the triangle at +4.0 X 10^-6 C, +2.0 X 10^-6 C, and -4.0 10^-6 C.


Homework Equations


V=kq/r


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried finding the electric potential of each of the charges to the midpoint, meaning that the r=1.0 m, and then adding the electric potential on either side of the midpoint together... but it's not working...
For example:
For the midpoint betweeen the charges +4.0 X 10^-6 C and +2.0 X 10^-6 C, i found the electric potential from the midpoint to the charge +4.0 X 10^-6 C, in which i got 36000 V and then i found the electric potential from the midpoint to the charge of +2.0 X 10^-6 C, and i got 18000 V. I added these two values together... but i didn't get the right answer. The answers for the three midpoints of the triangle are 1.0 X 10^4 V, 3.3 X 10^4 and 2.8 X 10^3 V. Can someone please help?
 
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Did you use 1m for all your distances? What distance did you use for the charge opposite the midpoint?
 
oops! I didn't know before hand that I'm suppose to consider the charge across from the midpoint. Thank you for the hint :D
 
I am stuck in the same question
I tried to use V= kq/r but I don't know what is r for each point
the triangle are 2m length so at one of the midpoint it is \sqrt{3}, 1, 1, away from each charge

do you add v=kq/r1 + v=kq/r2 and so on?
--------------------------------------------------------
I got it!
 
Last edited:

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