Electric Potential / Electric Field Question

AI Thread Summary
The electric potential in the region is defined as V = y^2 + 5xy - 2xyz. The electric field components are derived from the potential using partial derivatives: Ex = -∂V/∂x, Ey = -∂V/∂y, and Ez = -∂V/∂z. After calculating, the components at the point (5, 2, 3) are found to be Ex = 2, Ey = 1, and Ez = 20. Concerns were raised about the accuracy and significant figures of these results, but the precision of the input coordinates suggests the answers are acceptable. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clarity in calculations and the interpretation of precision in physics problems.
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In a certain region of space, the electric potential is given by V = y^2 + 5xy - 2xyz. Determine the x-, y-, and z-components of the electric field, E, at (5, 2, 3). Do not enter units.

I took the partial derivatives with respect to each coordinate:

Ex = -∂V/∂x = -[5y-2yz] = -5y+2yz
Ey = -∂V/∂y = -[2y + 5x - 2xz] = -2y-5x+2xz
Ez = -∂V/∂z = -[-2xy] = 2xy

Then I plugged the coordinates into the equations
Ex = 2
Ey = 1
Ez = 20

These answers are wrong and they don't have enough significant figures either. I am completely lost please help!
 
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Well, it's a mystery! The problem gave the x,y,z position to essentially infinite precision, so your answer looks to me to be perfectly acceptable. :confused:
 
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