# Electric Potential?

1. Sep 24, 2007

### sbe07phy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

a) In a certain region of space, the electric potential is V(x,y,z) = Axy - Bx^5 + Cy where A, B, and C are positive constants. Calculate the x, y , and z components of the electric field. Use A, B, C, x, y, and z as necessary
b) At which points is the electric field equal to zero.

Any help?
2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Sep 24, 2007

### genneth

What can't you do? It's hard to help if you don't say what's actually holding you back. Do you know how to calculate the electric field from the potential?

3. Sep 24, 2007

### sbe07phy

How to get started. Do I just solve for each variable with that equation?

4. Sep 24, 2007

### genneth

The equation for getting the electric field from the potential is $$\mathbf{E} = \boldsymbol{\nabla}V$$. Did you already know that?

5. Sep 25, 2007

### jlucas134

Allow me to expand on what genneth started..

he is correct...E= - Del V
where del is the gradiate operator.
You have V in cartesian.

so del V = x(hat)*dV/dx+y(hat)*dV/dy+z(hat)*dV/dz
You text book should give the relationship for del V, don't forget the negative sign.

So take the derivate of V with respect to x, then repeat for y and z.

This should get you going. If I am wrong, I apologize, but that is how I did a similiar problem in my homework.