Electric Potential due to a dipole

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential (V) due to a dipole consisting of two point charges: +q = 0.911 μC at (-2.53,0) and -q at (2.53,0). The user attempted to compute V at the point (31.9, 82) using the formula V = k(q/r), where k = 8.99e9 N m²/C². The user calculated distances r1 and r2 as 0.871 m and 0.889 m, respectively, resulting in an initial potential of 190 Volts, which was later corrected to -190.38 Volts. The user expressed confusion regarding the sign of the potential, questioning whether to include the negative value.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and dipole theory
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the constant k = 8.99e9 N m²/C²
  • Ability to perform calculations involving square roots and conversions between microCoulombs and Coulombs
  • Knowledge of scalar quantities in physics, particularly in the context of electric potential
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of electric potential due to a dipole in detail
  • Practice calculations involving electric potential using different charge configurations
  • Learn about the significance of the sign of electric potential in various contexts
  • Explore the implications of scalar quantities in physics, especially in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, particularly those tackling problems related to electric potential and dipoles, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts 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


[tex] 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}}[/tex]

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 [tex]r_{1} = .871m[/tex] and [tex]r_{2} = .889m[/tex].

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.
 
Last edited:
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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.
 
Last edited:

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