(Electric Charge and Electric Field)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential difference (Vba) and electric field difference (Eb - Ea) between two points near a -3.6 µC point charge. Participants emphasize the importance of using the correct formulas for electric potential and electric fields, specifically pointing out that the electric potential is not related to velocity. The equation for electric potential V(r) is highlighted, with explanations about electric permittivities provided. There is a debate about the relevance of understanding the underlying values in equations, with some participants insisting on the necessity of knowing constants like ε0. Overall, the conversation revolves around clarifying concepts and equations related to electric charge and fields.
Axeman2k
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Please Help! (Electric Charge and Electric Field)

Consider point a which is 70 cm north of a -3.6 µC point charge, and point b which is 84 cm west of the charge (Fig. 17-23).


(a) Determine Vba = Vb - Va.
V = ____
(b) Determine Eb - Ea.
Magnitude
N/C = ____
Direction = _____
° (counterclockwise from east is positive)

Thanks for your help!
 

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At first I was thinking the first part had to do with the E = (KQ1)/r2 equation. You take that for both point a and b then subtract b-a to get the final velocity. That didnt seem to work, and I have been looking frantically for the past 30 min through my notes and have not been able to find an equation to start off this problem. I think I may be confusing test charges with normal charges.
 
That is not velocity,that is ELECTRIC POTENTIAL.And you shouldn't be using the formula for the electric field,but the formula for the electric potential...

Daniel.
 
Hmmm... tried the equation V=Ed for potential but that didnt work. Am I using the right equation?
 
No,u should be using the electric potential created by an electric charge...

V(r)=\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}\epsilon_{r}} \frac{q}{r}

Daniel.
 
Haven't had a chance to use that equation... can you explain where the e sub 0 and r come from please?
 
Those are electric permitivities.The one with the subscript "0" is the electric permitivity of vacuum.The one with the "r" subscript is the relative electric permitivity of the medium wrt the vacuum and is dimensionless...

Irrelevant into discussion,really.U got a problem to solve...

Daniel.
 
I don't think it's irrelevant, I like to know all the values and what they are if I am going to use an equation. I just find it hard to believe, Axeman, you don't know what \epsilon_{0} is since it seems you are in an electricity class.
 
What do you mean...??He SHOULD KNOW what \epsilon_{0} is.Even if he's in High School...

Daniel.
 
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