What is the Potential Difference in a Non-Uniform Electric Field?

In summary, we are given the components of the electric field in a region of space and two points, A and B, on different axes. We are asked to find the potential difference between these two points. The correct answer is -18V, which can be found by integrating the electric field with respect to distance along a chosen path. The given points being on different axes and the non-uniform nature of the electric field must be taken into consideration when solving this problem.
  • #1
PhysicsInNJ
44
1

Homework Statement


The electric field in a region of space has the components Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (4.00 N/C·m) x. Point A is on the y axis at y = 3.60 m, and Point B is on thex axis at x = 3.00 m. What is the potential difference VBVA?

Homework Equations


Vb- Vi = -∫ba E * dS

The Attempt at a Solution


The integral should become E*d, or 4*0.6 , but that is incorrect
The correct answer is -18V
 
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  • #2
PhysicsInNJ said:

The Attempt at a Solution


The integral should become E*d, or 4*0.6 , but that is incorrect
The correct answer is -18V
Where does the 0.6 come from? Note that the two points are on different axes.
 
  • #3
What's a good choice of path integration? Does the datum y = 3.6, as opposed to some other y number, have any significance?
 
  • #4
PhysicsInNJ said:
The integral should become E*d
In addition to what the others said, ##\Delta V = Ed## only holds for uniform fields. You don't have a uniform field in this problem.
 

What is E&M potential difference?

E&M potential difference, also known as electric potential difference, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It represents the amount of work that is needed to move a unit of charge from one point to another. It is measured in volts (V).

How is E&M potential difference calculated?

E&M potential difference is calculated by taking the difference in electric potential between two points. This can be done by subtracting the electric potential at one point from the electric potential at the other point. The formula for calculating E&M potential difference is V = W/Q, where V is the potential difference, W is the work done, and Q is the charge.

What is the relationship between E&M potential difference and electric field?

The electric field is the force per unit charge experienced by a charge at a particular point in an electric field. The relationship between E&M potential difference and electric field is that the electric field is equal to the negative gradient of the electric potential. In other words, the electric field is the slope of the electric potential graph.

How does E&M potential difference affect the flow of electric current?

E&M potential difference is closely related to electric current. A higher potential difference means a higher electric field, which in turn leads to a higher flow of electric current. In other words, a higher potential difference results in a higher rate of movement of charge.

What are some real-life applications of E&M potential difference?

E&M potential difference has many practical applications in our daily lives. Some examples include voltage used in household electrical outlets, batteries, and electronic devices. It is also used in power plants to generate electricity and in medical equipment such as EKG machines. E&M potential difference is also essential in understanding and analyzing the behavior of lightning and other natural phenomena related to electricity.

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