Electric Potential due to multiple charges

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electric potential due to multiple charges, specifically focusing on the relationship between charge, distance, and electric potential. Participants are examining the implications of changes in charge and distance on electric potential.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the correct equation for electric potential and questioning the relevance of additional charges in the context of electric potential versus electric field.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the distinction between electric potential and electric field, noting that the potential is independent of the test charge. There is an ongoing exploration of how changes in charge and distance affect electric potential.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the specifics of the problem statement and the equations involved, with some uncertainty about the relevance of certain charges in the calculations of electric potential.

irivce
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


bfPCQT1.png



Homework Equations



E = kq1q2/r2


The Attempt at a Solution



Please correct me if I am wrong but I think it is A. Since doubling the charge, doubles the potential as well, while doubling the radius between the charges would just exponentially decrease the electric potential. My question here is if that is the correct equation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Be careful. This questions asks you which statement is true about the electric potential - not the electric field. Recall that the electric potential produced by a point charge Q is given by the expression:

##V = k \frac{Q}{r}##

where Q is the charge and r is the distance away from this charge. (This is the source charge).
 
So is it safe to say that the charge from the second point is irrelevant ?
 
That is correct. The electric potential at a point in space is independent of the test charge.

Some light reading from wikipedia for you (I especially recommend the introduction and the section titled electric potential due to a point charge): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_potential
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K