Electric potential graph analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing an electric potential graph to understand the relationship between electric potential and electric field. Participants are exploring how to interpret the slopes of the graph and their implications for the electric field at various intervals along the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the relationship between electric potential and electric field, questioning whether the slopes of the graph correspond to positive or negative electric fields. There are discussions about the implications of the slopes in different intervals and whether energy conservation principles should be considered.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the slopes of the graph and their corresponding electric field values. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the slopes, but there is no explicit consensus on the reasoning applied to the electric field values across the intervals.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a graph of electric potential and are discussing the slopes without complete information about the graph's specific values or overall context. There is a focus on understanding the relationship between potential and electric field rather than deriving a final solution.

freshcoast
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations



ΔU = -q∫E * ds

The Attempt at a Solution



Just by looking at the graph I am thinking, if I solve for E using the equation above, the number would be always negative therefore I can conclude that the electric field at any x position would be negative and the graph will look the same it will be just inverted. (-y values)

I don't know if this is the correct way to look at the problem or if I have to use energy conservation but any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Ex = -dV/dx =negative of the slope of V-x graph.

What is the slope of graph between 0 and 1,1 and 3,3 and 4 ?
 
between 0 and 1, the slope is positive, 1 and 3 the slope is zero, 3 and 4 the slope is negative.

So if I use that equation you posted, between 0 and 1, the electric field will be negative, between 1 and 3 the electric field remains negative and then when x is between 3 and 4 the slope will be positive?
 
freshcoast said:
between 0 and 1, the slope is positive, 1 and 3 the slope is zero, 3 and 4 the slope is negative.

So if I use that equation you posted, between 0 and 1, the electric field will be negative, between 1 and 3 the electric field remains negative and then when x is between 3 and 4 the slope will be positive?

Recheck your reasoning
 
Oh, between 1 and 3 electric field is zero. 0 and 1 V slope is positive therefore efield is negative, 3 and 4 v slope is negative therefore efield is positive.
 

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