How does the Electric Potential change when -q goes to -2q?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential at points along the y-axis due to a positive charge +q at x=+a and a negative charge -2q at x=-a. The key takeaway is that electric potential is a scalar quantity, meaning it does not have a direction. To determine the total electric potential, one must calculate the potential from each charge separately and then sum these values. The provided solution utilizes constants k, q, a, and y to express the potential mathematically.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and its properties
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and charge interactions
  • Knowledge of scalar versus vector quantities in physics
  • Basic calculus for evaluating potential from point charges
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric potential due to point charges
  • Learn about the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of electric potential, including constants k and charge variables
  • Investigate the differences between electric potential and electric field
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electrostatics, particularly in relation to electric potential and charge interactions.

durhamisnuts
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Homework Statement



Imagine that a particle with positive charge +q is placed on the x-axis at x=+a and a particle with negative charge -2q is placed on the x-axis at x= -a. Find the potential at all points along the y axis.



Homework Equations



delta phi = -E dot dr

The Attempt at a Solution



This isn't a homework problem, it's just a problem in the book I'm working on to get a better understanding of electric potential. I was wondering if someone could explain electric potential to me, and i figured the easiest way would be with a problem. The answer is given in terms of k, q, a, and y.

I know that had the it been -q instead of -2q the answer would be zero, but I am not sure how the physics works when it is -2.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi durhamisnuts! welcome to pf! :wink:

potential is a scalar

(unlike electric field, which is a vector)

ie, it's just a number, it has no direction …

so to get the potential from two or more sources, you find the potential from each, and add them …

it's that easy! :smile:​
 

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