Potential at a point multiple choice question ( aqa)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of electric potential at a point due to multiple point charges, specifically in the context of a multiple-choice question from AQA. Participants explore how the potential is affected by the presence of both positive and negative charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants raise questions about how to calculate the resultant potential when one of the charges is negative, and whether to add or subtract potentials based on charge signs. There is also inquiry into the potential at specific points, such as the bottom left corner, and how to approach the calculation based on the distances from the charges.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the principles of electric potential and how to apply them in specific scenarios. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of potential from multiple charges, but no consensus has been reached on specific values or methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of charge placement and the physical constraints of calculating potential at a point, particularly regarding the charge residing at that point.

bonbon22
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Homework Statement
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/sample-papers-and-mark-schemes/2018/june/AQA-74082-QP-JUN18.PDF
question 22 on the multiple choice near the end
Relevant Equations
no equations
I understand how they arrived at the answer of 2Q , but i have a couple of questions on this. If one of the charges were negative for example how would the resultant potential be found then? at the middle point would i add the positive charges and subtracted the negative ? Also what would the potential be at for the corner , for example the bottom left corner assuming the charges were Q, Q, Q , 2Q?
 
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bonbon22 said:
If one of the charges were negative for example how would the resultant potential be found then?
What's the potential from a point charge? How does it depend on the sign of the charge? (Note: Potentials from multiple charges can just be added like scalars.)
 
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Doc Al said:
What's the potential from a point charge? How does it depend on the sign of the charge? (Note: Potentials from multiple charges can just be added like scalars.)
makes sense. what would the poential be at the bottom left corner?
 
bonbon22 said:
makes sense. what would the poential be at the bottom left corner?
You tell me. If you know the charges and their distance from the bottom left corner, you can find the potential at that point from those charges. (Don't include the potential from the charge residing there, since the problem becomes unphysical at zero distance.)
 
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