Electric potential:Potential difference of test charge

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential difference between two points in an electric field created by a negative charge. Initial calculations for electric potential energy and potential at two distances from the charge are presented, revealing confusion about the relevance of the test charge's value. The correct approach emphasizes that only the anchored charge's field affects the potential difference, making the test charge's value unnecessary. The final potential difference is clarified as -450,000 V after correcting the initial calculations. Understanding that the potential is solely due to the anchored charge is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
yuminie
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Homework Statement
A positive test charge of 1.5uC is placed in an electric field, 10 cm from another charge of -5.0uC that is anchored in place. What is the potential difference between the initial position of the test charge, and a point 5 cm closer to the negative charge?
Relevant Equations
Ee=kq1q2/r
Δv=ΔEe/q
v=kq/r
Electric potential energy at initial:
Ee=kq1q2/r
=(9 ×10 ^9×1.5×10^-6×(-5)×10^-6)/0.1
=-0.675J
Electric potential energy at the closer point:
Ee=kq1q2/r
=(9 ×10^9×1.5×10^-6×(-5)×10^-6)/0.05
=-1.35J
Δv=ΔEe/q
=(-1.35+0.675)/1.5×10^-6
=4.5×10^5V

or:

Initial position:
v=kq/r
=9 ×10^9×1.5×10^-6/0.1
=13500v
closer position:
v=kq/r
=9 ×10^9×(-5)×10^-6/0.05
=-900000v
Δv=-900000-13500=-913500V

I am very confused on this question. Please send help.
 
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yuminie said:
What is the potential difference between the initial position of the test charge, and a point 5 cm closer to the negative charge?
Note that they are asking about the potential due to the field of the anchored charge, not potential energy.
 
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Doc Al said:
Note that they are asking about the potential due to the field of the anchored charge, not potential energy.
Hi, thank you for your reply, this is how I changed my answer:
Initial position:
v=kq/r
=9 ×10^9×(-5)×10^-6/0.1
=-450000v
closer position:
v=kq/r
=9 ×10^9×(-5)×10^-6/0.05
=-900000v
Δv=-900000+450000=-450000V
Since its due to the field of the anchored charge, the charge of the test charge would not be needed?
Thanks.
 
yuminie said:
Since its due to the field of the anchored charge, the charge of the test charge would not be needed?
Yes, that's how I interpret the problem.
 
Doc Al said:
Yes, that's how I interpret the problem.
Thank you so much!
 
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