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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electric potential and point charges, particularly in the context of homework problems involving isolated point charges and their effects on electric potential at a specific point.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether electric potential is a vector or scalar quantity, with consensus leaning towards it being scalar. Questions arise about the implications of having a zero potential at a point due to two point charges and how this relates to their respective electric fields.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of electric potential being zero at a specific point, with participants questioning how this relates to the contributions of multiple point charges. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the charges and the resulting potential.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the scenario of two isolated point charges and the conditions under which the electric potential at a point can be zero, raising questions about the assumptions made in the problem setup.

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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