Potential Difference b/t 2 points

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the potential difference between two points in an electric field defined by its components, specifically where the electric field varies with position along the x-axis. The original poster presents a scenario with specific coordinates for points A and B and expresses confusion over their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the electric field to find the potential difference but questions the correctness of their approach. Some participants suggest focusing on the integral of the electric field and clarify the nature of the electric field components, questioning whether it is constant or varies with position.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the integration process and seeking clarification on the electric field's definition. There is an active exchange of ideas, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings about the electric field's behavior and its implications for the integration process. The original poster's repeated inquiry indicates a lack of clarity in their understanding of the problem setup.

rjnara
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Ok, I've got a problem:

The electric field in a region of space has the components Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (3.91 N/C)x. Point A is on the y-axis at y = 2.83 m, and point B is on the x-axis at x = 3.97 m. What is the potential difference VB - VA?

I have tried integrating E (wrt x) * x from x=0..3.97 . I keep getting 81.5506, and its not the right answer. Anyhelp would be appreciated
 
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The p.d between A and B is [tex]-\int_{A}^{B}\vec{E}.d\vec{l}[/tex]. In your problem this reduces to [tex]-\int_{0}^{3.97}E_xdx[/tex]. Can you do it from here?
 
Last edited:
rjnara said:
Ok, I've got a problem:

The electric field in a region of space has the components Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (3.91 N/C)x. Point A is on the y-axis at y = 2.83 m, and point B is on the x-axis at x = 3.97 m. What is the potential difference VB - VA?

I have tried integrating E (wrt x) * x from x=0..3.97 . I keep getting 81.5506, and its not the right answer. Anyhelp would be appreciated
Perhaps you could show how you are doing the integration. I am not sure about your expression for [itex]E_x[/itex]. Is the field [itex]\vec{E} = 3.91\hat{x}[/itex] N/C (ie. constant field of 3. 91 N/C in the x direction) or is it: [itex]\vec{E} = 3.91x\hat{x}[/itex] N/C (a linearly increasing field)?

AM
 
Thanks guys :)
 
Well, tell us how you obtained your answer and answer Andrew's questions.
 

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