Isolated Point Charge and Work?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of work done by electric forces on a positive charge moving between two points (P1 and P2) in the vicinity of an isolated point charge. The participants reference the work-energy principle, specifically W = F*d and W = PEa - PEb, to analyze the work required along four distinct paths (A, B, C, and D). The key conclusion is that the work done is independent of the path taken when moving in a conservative electric field, leading to the realization that the work required will be the same for all paths due to the equal distance from the charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically E = F/q
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle, including W = F*d
  • Knowledge of potential energy in electric fields, specifically W = PEa - PEb
  • Concept of conservative forces and fields in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of conservative forces and fields in detail
  • Learn about electric potential and its relationship to work done in electric fields
  • Explore examples of path independence in conservative systems
  • Investigate the implications of electric field strength (E = ΔV/Δx) on work and energy
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, educators teaching electric forces, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of work in conservative fields.

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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