Electric potential and electric field physics problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The electric potential at the center of a square formed by four identical positive charges, each of magnitude q, is definitively 4V0, where V0 is the potential due to one charge. The electric field at the center is zero due to the symmetry of the arrangement, as the contributions from each charge cancel out. This conclusion is supported by the fact that all four charges are identical and positively charged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and electric field concepts
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law
  • Knowledge of vector addition in physics
  • Basic principles of symmetry in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of superposition in electric fields
  • Learn about electric potential energy in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their representation
  • Investigate the effects of charge distribution on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and potentials in symmetrical charge configurations.

hoseA
Messages
61
Reaction score
0
o---o
| o |
o---o

Four positive charges of magnitude q are ar-
ranged at the corners of a square, as shown.
At the center C of the square, the potential
due to one charge alone is V0, and the electric
field due to one charge alone has magnitude
E0.

Which of the following correctly gives the
electric potential and the magnitude of the
electric field at the center of the square due to
all four charges?

I think the Electric Potential is 4V0 and the Electric Field is 0. Is this correct?

Btw - all 4 charges = +q
 
Physics news on Phys.org
that is correct
the electric field is 0 and the potential is 4V0
electric field is zero only because all the charges are identical.
 
stunner5000pt said:
that is correct
the electric field is 0 and the potential is 4V0
electric field is zero only because all the charges are identical.
Thanks for the confirmation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
881
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
905
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K