Is electric field always 0 if potential at a point is 0?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electric potential and electric field. It is established that if the electric field at a point is zero, the potential is constant at that point, but this does not imply that the potential itself is zero. Conversely, if the potential at a point is zero, it does not provide definitive information about the electric field at that point. The concept of electric potential is relative, typically referenced to infinity, emphasizing the importance of potential difference in understanding electric fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potentials
  • Knowledge of gradient concepts in physics
  • Familiarity with the principle of potential difference
  • Basic grasp of reference points in electric potential
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric potential and electric field using calculus
  • Explore the concept of electric potential difference in various configurations
  • Learn about the implications of reference points in electrostatics
  • Investigate the mathematical formulation of electric fields from potentials
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electrostatics and the principles governing electric fields and potentials.

Nabin kalauni
Messages
26
Reaction score
6
I understand that if electric field at any point is 0, it implies that potential is constant not necessarily 0. But what if the potential at a point is 0? Does it imply that electric field is 0? Me and my friend had an argument and I am in the favour of electric field not being 0. Do I win guys? Plz tell me I do
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the lectric field is zero at a point, then we know the gradient of the potential is null at that point.
If the potential is zero at a point, and this is the only information we have, we know nothing about the electric field
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nabin kalauni
Nabin kalauni said:
But what if the potential at a point is 0?
Potential is always relative to some other point. It's conventionally taken as referenced to 'Infinity'. It may be best to talk in terms of Potential Difference in this question.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nabin kalauni

Similar threads

Undergrad Electric Potential in circuit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad How is Potential Difference Created across a Resistor?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Undergrad Electric field of ring at any point
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Can charges move without a field? How charges redistribute without it?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Discontinuity of Electric field
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad When Electric Field is 0 is potential also 0?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Undergrad Electric Potential -- Is my understanding correct?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Undergrad Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field is zero in the center of a spherical conductor
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
Graduate Electrical potential of a thin wire in an E field
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K