Finding the Electric Potential at a Point Due to Multiple Charges

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eestep
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Homework Statement


A charge of +21.9 micro-Coulombs is placed at x=-3.3 m, y=0 m, a charge of -8.5 micro-Coulombs is placed at x=0 m, y=+3.8 m, and a charge of +15.6 micro-Coulombs is placed at x=+3.3 m, y=+3.8 m. If a charge of -15.4 micro-Coulombs is placed at origin, what is electrical potential of this charge in Joules? Answer is -1.04.


Homework Equations


[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=Uf-Ui


The Attempt at a Solution


Vo=k(q1/r1+q2/r2+q3/r3)=(8.99 x 109Nm2/C2)(21.9 x 10-6C/3.3m+-8.5 x 10-6C/3.8m+15.6 x 10-6C/7.1m)=5.93 x 104V
Uf=q4Vo
q4Vo-0=(-15.4 x 10-6C)(5.93 x 104V)
 
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hi eesteeestep! :wink:
eestep said:
… and a charge of +15.6 micro-Coulombs is placed at x=+3.3 m, y=+3.8 m

… =(8.99 x 109Nm2/C2)(… +15.6 x 10-6C/7.1m)

no, you've added 3.8 to 3.3 to get 7.1 :frown:

(3.3,3.8) is a vector

its magnitude is … ? :smile: