Determine Va-Vb and the magnitude/direction of Ea-Eb

  • Thread starter Thread starter StudentofSci
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To determine Va-Vb, the potential difference can be calculated using the equation Va-Vb=-∫E dl, where E is the electric field due to the point charge. The magnitude of Ea-Eb can be found using E=kQ/r^2, considering the distances from the charge to points a and b. The direction of Ea-Eb will be influenced by the orientation of the electric field lines, which point away from the negative charge. Solving the problem symbolically is essential, as it allows for a clearer understanding of the relationships involved without needing specific numerical values. This approach ensures that the conceptual framework is solid before substituting any numbers.
StudentofSci
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Point "a" is "Y" meters south of a -Q C Point Charge and point "b" is "X" meters east of the charge.
1. Determine Va-Vb
2.Determine the magnitude of Ea-Eb
3.Determine the direction of Ea-Eb

My problem with solving this question is that it is purely conceptual. If there were values given than the equation that I know would be of use and I would be able to solve it. Any help as to how to answer this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Homework Equations


Va-Vb=-∫E dl
E=kQ/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Don't really know how to start.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you can solve the problem with numbers, you should be able to solve it without numbers. In fact, you should always solve problems symbolically, and only plug in the numbers as the very last step. Obviously, for this problem, a numerical answer is not expected.
 
Yes that's what I figured. I just thought I ought to be sure that solving it symbolically didn't take me down some other path. Thank you
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Pendulum velocity using energy forumula
Replies
4
Views
1K
Cylinderical reigon and potential difference
Replies
1
Views
1K
Electric field at a point problem
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finding potential at a point in capacitor
Replies
2
Views
2K
Inelastic collision and the sum of internal forces
Replies
6
Views
3K
What is the magnitude of the field at point R?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Conservation of momentum question - elastic collisions
Replies
6
Views
5K
Electric Potential Due to point charges
Replies
1
Views
5K
Point charge electric field help find direction?
Replies
10
Views
9K
Solved: Potential Difference Between a & b
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top