Is this diagram wrong? electric potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the accuracy of a diagram related to electric potential calculations. Participants question the method of calculating work done from point i to f, specifically whether the force should be multiplied by the cosine of the angle (cos θ) to account for the direction of the path. The correct approach involves using the dot product of vectors, which inherently includes the cosine of the angle between them. This highlights a common misunderstanding in applying vector mathematics to physics problems.

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ElectricSenpai
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For the diagram below, is it wrong?
They have calculated the work done from i to f, using the force that is cross sectional to the particle.
Shouldn't the force in the direction of the path be the the force x cos theta.
They have summed the force that is not in the direction of the path?
 

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So the summation should be:i to f INT(Q0. E . Cos theta) ds
 
Back to basic math -

dot product of vectors is not same as dot in algebraic multiplication ?

doesn't dot product of vectors include cosine of angle between them?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_product
 
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Oh yeah thanks.
 
Haha -- dot product of vectors = basic math ... only in PF.
 

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