Electric field and electric potential

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electric field and electric potential, focusing on their mathematical representation and the spaces in which they are defined. Participants explore the nature of these quantities, particularly in terms of vector and scalar fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the electric field is a vector and the electric potential is a scalar, asking for clarification on the space that describes both quantities.
  • Another participant suggests that electric field and electric potential are different ways of describing the same phenomenon.
  • A participant points out that the electric field requires a vector space, questioning how electric potential, being a scalar, fits into this framework.
  • It is noted that both electric field and electric potential can be defined over open subsets of ##\mathbb{R}^{3}##, with the distinction that their codomains differ.
  • Several participants request a more careful rephrasing of the initial question to clarify the inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electric field and electric potential, with some suggesting they are fundamentally different while others see them as interconnected. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of their mathematical representation.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the definitions of vector and scalar fields, as well as the implications of their respective domains and codomains.

wasi-uz-zaman
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hi, electric filed is a vector and electric potential is scalar. Gradient of electric potential give us electric filed - please explain by which space we can describe both quantities.
thanks
 
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They are different ways of describing the same thing - what do you mean by "explain by which space we can describe both quantities"?
 
i mean electric field needs vector space -so what do we do for electric potential as it is scalar.
 
Both their domains are open subsets of ##\mathbb{R}^{3}##; only their codomains differ.
 
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Can you rephrase your question in a more careful way?
 
Jorriss said:
Can you rephrase your question in a more careful way?
Nothing to do with physics but...
That photograph is not you, is it ?!
 

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