How does electric potential relate to point charges in homework problems?

AI Thread Summary
Electric potential is a scalar quantity, not a vector, which means it does not have direction. In the context of two isolated point charges, the potential at a specific point P can be zero if the contributions from both charges cancel each other out. This cancellation occurs when the sum of their potentials, expressed as kq/r for each charge, equals zero. Understanding this concept allows for the calculation of the unknown charge at point B based on the condition that the total potential at P is zero. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing how electric potentials from multiple charges interact.
WeiLoong
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


Electric potential

The Attempt at a Solution


Is electric potential a vector quantity?
So that mean both charges product electric potential and result in zero at P?
How should i start for question 17a?
 
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WeiLoong said:
Is electric potential a vector quantity?
No. It is scalar.
 
Electric potential is a scalar. Now, what does it mean that potential at P is zero? You have two isolated point charges, that each one produces an electric field around it. So, how can the potential at P be zero? Answering that, you can immediately see that using this fact and a simple formula, you can calculate point charge at B.
 
QuantumQuest said:
Electric potential is a scalar. Now, what does it mean that potential at P is zero? You have two isolated point charges, that each one produces an electric field around it. So, how can the potential at P be zero? Answering that, you can immediately see that using this fact and a simple formula, you can calculate point charge at B.

That mean kq/r+kq/r=0 something like that?
 
WeiLoong said:
That mean kq/r+kq/r=0 something like that?
What would be the potential at point P, if you didn't have point charge at B? But you have this point charge at B and potential at P is zero. So, you have a zero from two scalars (V). What does this imply for the second potential (i.e. regarding B)?
 
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