Electric Potential due to a dipole

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential (V) created by a dipole consisting of two point charges, +q and -q, at a specific point in space. The user correctly applied the formula for electric potential but initially calculated V as 190 volts, which was marked incorrect. After re-evaluating, they obtained a negative value of -190.38 volts but remained uncertain about whether to include the negative sign, as electric potential is a scalar quantity. Despite adjusting their answer, the user still faced issues with the submission, seeking further assistance to resolve the problem. The conversation highlights the challenges of accurately applying formulas in electrostatics.
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Homework Statement



NOTE: Coordinates are in centimeters.

A dipole consists of two point charges: +q = 0.911 μC at (-2.53,0) and -q at (2.53,0).

a) Calculate V, the potential created by the dipole at (31.9,82).

Homework Equations


<br /> V = k \frac{q}{r} \\<br /> \\ r_{1} = \sqrt{(x-.0253)^2 + (y)^2}<br /> \\ r_{2} = \sqrt{(x+.0253)^2 + (y)^2}<br /> \\ V = \sum_{q} V_{due \ to \ q} = V_{+} + V_{-}<br /> \\ \ \ \ = k \frac{q_{+}}{r_{2}} + k \frac{q_{-}}{r_{1}}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the equations above, where x = .319 meters (distance from (0,0) to point for potential) and y = .82 meters. I got r_{1} = .871m and r_{2} = .889m.

I converted the microColumbs to Columbs so I know it can't be that.

Plugging into the electric potential formula, I got:
V=(8.99e9)*(9.11e-7)/(.871) - (8.99e9)*(9.11e-7)/(.889)
V=9403-9213
V=190 Volts

I put this answer into the assignment and it's wrong. I'm on my last trial, I can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong. The school is closed tommorow so I can't go to tutoring.

Please help in whatever way you can, and any hints would be appreciated.
 
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Which charge is nearer to the point P?
 
I see. I redone the calculations and just got the negative of my previous answer:
-190.38.

I'm unsure of whether to put in the negative, isn't electric potential a scalar?

EDIT: I put in the negative and I still got it wrong. :_(

I still need to figure this out though. Any more help you can give will be appreciated.
 
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