Find the change in electric potential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the change in electric potential in a uniform electric field of 6.0*10^5 N/C directed along the x-axis. The initial approach suggests using the formula ∆V = -E*∆s, leading to a potential difference calculation. However, it is clarified that since the movement is in the y-direction (from (0,0) to (0,6)), there is no change in potential because the electric field only affects the x-direction. Therefore, the change in electric potential between these two points is zero, as they lie on the same equipotential surface. Understanding the relationship between electric fields and equipotential surfaces is crucial for solving such problems.
Brit412
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I'm having trouble understand why I'm getting the following question wrong: a uniform electric field of magnitude of 6.0*10^5 N/C points in the positive x direction. Part A) Find the change in electric potential between the origin and the point (0, 6.0m)

.


Homework Equations



Wouldn't it just be ∆V = -E*∆s = (6.0*10^5) (6.0m)?.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the field is uniform in x direction and you want the voltage change from 0,0 to 0,6 it's 0. anything in the Y direction will be equipotential.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Potential difference between two points in an electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Find change in electric potential energy
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
3K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
1K
Electrostatics help please -- Electric field, potential
Replies
5
Views
2K
Calculating eletric potential using line integral of electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conceptual Issue RE: electric potential difference
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Do You Calculate Electric Potential from a Field Graph?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
Replies
10
Views
1K
Van der Graaf Generator: Charge, Potential and Redesign Questions
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top