Calculating voltage from multiple point charges

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential at a height of 8 km due to three point charges: 40 coulombs at 10 km, -40 coulombs at 5 km, and 10 coulombs at 2 km. The formula used for the calculation is v = k (40C/2000m - 40C/3000m + 10C/6000m), resulting in an electric potential of 7.5E7 volts. Participants confirmed the necessity of converting kilometers to meters and validated the correct approach of subtracting the negative charge from the positive charges in the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law
  • Knowledge of electric potential and point charges
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (km to m)
  • Basic algebra for summing electric potentials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electric potential and field due to point charges
  • Learn about the implications of charge polarity in calculations
  • Explore the concept of superposition in electric fields
  • Review unit conversion techniques in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone involved in solving problems related to electric potential and point charges.

Eric_meyers
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Homework Statement


A point charge 10 km in the air with a charge of 40 coulombs
A point charge 5 km in the air with a charge of -40 coulombs
A point chare 2 km in the air with a charge of 10 coulombs
-Find the electric potential due to these charges at a point which at a height of 8 km and on the vertical line passing through the charges.


Homework Equations


kq1/r1 + kq2/r2


The Attempt at a Solution



So I summed them up

v = k (40C/2000m - 40C/3000m + 10C/6000m) = 7.5E7

My question is, is do I need to convert km to m and was I correct in subtracting the negative 40 coulomb charge from the rest of the positive charges?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes and yes. Looks good to me.
 

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