Electric potential and electric field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concepts of electric potential and electric fields, specifically addressing the implications of a charge's electric field extending to infinity. It is established that a charge at infinity does not exert a force on another charge due to the diminishing effect of the electric field as the distance increases. The participants clarify that while the formula F = kQ/r² suggests a force exists at any distance, the relevant consideration is the limit as r approaches infinity, where the force effectively approaches zero. Additionally, the discussion highlights the calculation of work done in moving an electron from a point of 100 V electric potential to a location outside the field, emphasizing the need for clarity in defining the reference point for potential energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their properties
  • Familiarity with the formula for electric force, F = kQ/r²
  • Knowledge of electric potential and its measurement in volts
  • Concept of limits in calculus, particularly as r approaches infinity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields and their behavior at infinity
  • Learn about electric potential energy and its relation to work done
  • Explore the mathematical implications of limits in physics
  • Investigate the applications of Coulomb's law in various scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric fields and potentials.

amanara
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Help on these problems-
1. If there is a charge then it has its own electric field. Now infinity is the area outside the electric field. This means a charge outside the electric field i.e at infinity , will not have any effect due to that charge. But by the formula F = kQ/rsq , there should be some force on any charge because there is always a value of r.

2. The electric potential at a point in an electric field is 100 V. How much work will have to be done to move an electron from that point to just outside the field?
The problem is that if potential in the given question in 100 V. If 1 C charge is present then 100 J of work is done on what?
 
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What have you tried thus far?
 
It makes no sense to say "at infinity" for any problem. It only makes sense to determine the force in the LIMIT as r-> infinity, that is what does the force tend to as you get further and further away.
 

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