Electric potential due to 3 charge

In summary, the problem involves three charges (q1, q2, and q3) located at the corners of a rectangle with sides of 15.0 cm and 8.0 cm. The charges have values of 4.90 μC, -4.90 μC, and 1.50 μC respectively. The task is to find the electric potential at the center of the rectangle and the amount of electric energy expended in moving q3 to infinity while q1 and q2 remain in their positions. The relevant equations are V = kq/r and EPE = qV.
  • #1
walkerob08
1
0

Homework Statement



There are three charges q1, q2 and q3 situated at corners of a rectangle of sides a = 15.0 cm and b = 8.0 cm.

For q1 = 4.90 μC, q2 = -4.90 μC, and q3 = 1.50 μC

a) find the electric potential at the center of the rectangle.

b) Continuing with the system above, how much of the electric energy of the system would be expended in moving q3 to infinity while q1 and q2 remain in their positions?

Homework Equations



V = kq/r

EPE = qV

The Attempt at a Solution



So I started this by thinking of bringing these point charges in from infinity one at at time. I brougt q1 in first and found the electric potential it would establish, taking effect when I brought the other in. But I really have no idea where to go from here. Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's not asking for the potential energy of the system. It's asking for the electric potential at a specific point, namely the center of the rectangle.
 

1. What is electric potential due to 3 charges?

The electric potential due to 3 charges is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in space, caused by the presence of 3 electric charges. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in volts (V).

2. How is electric potential due to 3 charges calculated?

The electric potential due to 3 charges can be calculated using the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant (9x10^9 N*m^2/C^2), Q is the magnitude of the charge, and r is the distance between the charge and the point where the potential is being calculated.

3. How does the distance between the charges affect the electric potential?

The electric potential is inversely proportional to the distance between the charges. This means that as the distance increases, the electric potential decreases. This relationship is known as the inverse-square law.

4. What is the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a given point, while electric potential energy is the energy that a charged particle possesses due to its position in an electric field. Electric potential is a scalar quantity, while electric potential energy is a vector quantity.

5. Can electric potential due to 3 charges be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. This indicates that the electric potential energy of a charged particle would decrease as it moves closer to the charges. However, the magnitude of the electric potential remains the same regardless of its sign.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
170
Replies
17
Views
980
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
362
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
862
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
7K
Back
Top