How to find electric potential at a point?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential at a specific point due to three charges, specifically using the formula V = kQ/r. The user calculated the voltage contributions from two charges, yielding approximately 254,000 V and 321,000 V, respectively, and determined a net voltage of 218,000 V. The user seeks confirmation of their calculations and understanding of the relationship between voltage and electric potential energy, which is derived using Eel = QV. The importance of voltage as a scalar quantity is also emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the constant k (Coulomb's constant)
  • Knowledge of vector addition in the context of electric fields
  • Proficiency in using the formula Eel = QV for calculating work done
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of electric potential and how to calculate it for multiple charges
  • Study vector addition techniques specifically for electric fields
  • Learn about the implications of voltage as a scalar quantity in electrostatics
  • Explore practical applications of electric potential energy in circuit design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in solving electrostatic problems or preparing for exams in physics.

pdrjuarez
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Homework Statement



Three charges are arranged as shown.
Find electric potential energy at reference point (the one that's circled)
How much work would it take to bring in a charge of 1.25 µC from infinity to that point?


Homework Equations



V=kQ/r

Eel=QV


The Attempt at a Solution



So, first I calculated the voltage from the 1.85 µC charge and it came out to about 254,000 V
I did the second charge the same way, the one that's at an angle, and got around 321,000 V.
Then I calculated the net voltage from the points using vectors, and the net came out to be 218,000 V.

So, that's the first part. However, I'm not very sure about this, since my friend is getting something else for the same problem. I know that once I get the voltage right, I can use Eel=QV to find the work needed
So, could anyone tell me if I'm doing the first part right please?
 

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Voltage is a scalar quantity.

ehild
 

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