Difference of potential between 2 points

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the difference of electric potential (V_A - V_B) between two points A and B in relation to a charge q. The correct formula derived is V_A - V_B = k(q/r_A - q/r_B), where k is Coulomb's constant, r_A is the distance from charge q to point A, and r_B is the distance to point B. The user initially misapplied the electric field formula but clarified that the electric field E should be expressed as E = kq/r^2, confirming the relationship between force and electric potential. The final expression for the potential difference is contingent upon the charge q.

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  • Knowledge of integral calculus for evaluating potential differences
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Homework Statement



Point [tex]A[/tex] is situated at a distance [tex]d[/tex] from a charge [tex]q[/tex]. Point [tex]B[/tex] is situated at a distance [tex]2d[/tex] from the charge [tex]q[/tex], in the same straight line than the one of [tex]A[/tex] and [tex]q[/tex].
Calculate the difference of potential [tex]V_A-V_b[/tex].
1.1 The attempt at a solution

[tex]V_a-V_B=k \int_ A^B E ds[/tex].
But [tex]E=\frac{F}{q}=\frac{k}{r^2}[/tex] and [tex]ds=dr[/tex], hence [tex]V_a-V_B=k \int_ A ^B =-k \left [ \frac{1}{r} \right ]_A ^B =-k \left [ \frac{1}{B} - \frac{1}{A} \right ] = k \left ( \frac{1}{A} - \frac{1}{B} \right )[/tex].

Is that right?
 
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I think that

[tex] F= \frac {kq_1 q_2} {r^2}[/tex]

so

[tex] E=\frac{F}{q} = \frac{kq}{r^2}[/tex]

not

[tex] \frac {k}{r^2}[/tex]

Right?
 
acr said:
I think that

[tex] F= \frac {kq_1 q_2} {r^2}[/tex]

so

[tex] E=\frac{F}{q} = \frac{kq}{r^2}[/tex]

not

[tex] \frac {k}{r^2}[/tex]

Right?
You're right. So my result is the one I gave multiplied by [tex]q[/tex]. I hope I'm right this time.
 

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