How Do You Calculate the Charge Between Two Points Given Voltage Difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charge between two points given a voltage difference of 45.0V. The user initially applied the formula V = (kq)/r and modified it to (VB - VA) = (kq)/(rB - rA) to solve for charge q. However, the calculation was incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the relationship between the distances rA and rB. The correct approach requires finding a common denominator for the voltage difference equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and voltage differences
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the constant k (9.0 x 10^9 N*m²/C²)
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
  • Knowledge of point charges and their effects on electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the electric potential formula V = (kq)/r
  • Learn how to find common denominators in algebraic expressions
  • Study the concept of electric field strength and its relation to voltage
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple point charges and their interactions
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators looking for problem-solving strategies in electric potential calculations.

SilentBlade91
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Homework Statement



Location A is 3.04m to the right of a point charge q.
Location B lies on the same line and is 3.87m to the right of
the charge. The potential difference between the two locations
is VB - VA = 45.0V . What is the magnitude and sign of the
charge?

Homework Equations



V=(kq)/r I think

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the equation above I modified it to

(VB-VA)=(kq)/(rB-rA)

and solved for q=((VB-VA)(rB-rA))/k

so q=((45.0V)(3.87m-3.04m))/9.0*10^9 N*m^2/C^2

and got q=4.15*10^-9 C but it wasnt right. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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SilentBlade91 said:

Homework Equations



V=(kq)/r I think

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the equation above I modified it to

(VB-VA)=(kq)/(rB-rA)
Try again! :-p

1/rB - 1/rA ≠ 1/(rB - rA)

You need to find a common denominator. :wink:
 

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