Isolated Point Charge and Work?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of work done by electric forces when moving a positive charge between two equidistant points from an isolated point charge. The participant expresses confusion about how to rank the paths (A, B, C, and D) based on the work required. They reference the equations for work and potential energy but struggle with the abstract nature of the problem. There is a mention of conservative forces and fields, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts. Understanding the relationship between electric fields and the work done is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
hrf2
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This is a really abstract question, and I'm absolutely clueless on how to approach it.
I know W= F*d, where F=force and d=distance, as well as W= PEa-PEb.
The question reads:

The diagram shows an isolated point charge. Marked are four paths (A, B, C, and D) from a point (P1) to point (P2). The two points, P1 and P2, are equidistant from the charge. Rank the paths by the work required to move a positive charge from P1 to P2 from least to greatest.
volt_path.png

For some reason I feel like B will be the greatest, but I don't really have any basis for that to be honest.
 
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hrf2 said:
This is a really abstract question, and I'm absolutely clueless on how to approach it.
I know W= F*d, where F=force and d=distance, as well as W= PEa-PEb.
The question reads:

The diagram shows an isolated point charge. Marked are four paths (A, B, C, and D) from a point (P1) to point (P2). The two points, P1 and P2, are equidistant from the charge. Rank the paths by the work required to move a positive charge from P1 to P2 from least to greatest.
volt_path.png

For some reason I feel like B will be the greatest, but I don't really have any basis for that to be honest.
Welcome to the PF.

What have you learned so far about Conservative Forces and Conservative Fields?
 
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We've learned about electric fields and electric forces. I know E= ΔV/Δx, where V is voltage and x is distance in meters. And E= F/q where F is force and q is charge. I don't have any notes on "conservative forces or fields" but that also might be just because my professor is using different terminology?
 
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