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

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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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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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