Potential due to point charge

In summary, the electric potential at a distance of 20.5 cm from a small charged sphere can be calculated using the equation V = k*(q/r), where k is a constant and q represents the charge of the sphere. By plugging in the given values, the charge of the sphere can be determined to be approximately 9.34 * 10^-6 C.
  • #1
stylez03
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Homework Statement


The electric potential at a distance of 20.5 cm from a very small charged sphere is 33.0 V, with the potential taken to be zero at an infinite distance from the sphere.

If the sphere is treated as a point charge, what is its charge?

Homework Equations



[tex] V = \frac {U} {q_{0}} == \frac {1} {4*pi*(8.85*10^{-12})}*\frac {q} {r} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



How do you convert 33.0V to the correct units of Q or is it equliv?

[tex] \frac {1} {4*pi*(8.85*10^{-12})}*\frac {33.0} {0.255} [/tex] ??
 
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  • #2
You don't need to convert your potential into anything, you already have an expression for V, so use it;

[tex]V = k\cdot\frac{q}{r} \Leftrightarrow q = \frac{V\cdot r}{k}[/tex]

Also note that [itex]20.5 cm \neq 0.255 m[/itex], its probably just a typo.
 
  • #3
Hootenanny said:
You don't need to convert your potential into anything, you already have an expression for V, so use it;

[tex]V = k\cdot\frac{q}{r} \Leftrightarrow q = \frac{V\cdot r}{k}[/tex]

Also note that [itex]20.5 cm \neq 0.255 m[/itex], its probably just a typo.

Thank you, yes that was a typo.
 

1. What is potential due to point charge?

Potential due to point charge is the measure of the electric potential at a specific point in space due to the presence of a single charged particle. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in volts.

2. How is the potential due to point charge calculated?

The potential due to a point charge can be calculated using the equation V = kq/r, where V is the potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge of the point charge, and r is the distance between the point charge and the point at which the potential is being measured.

3. What is the relationship between potential due to point charge and distance?

The potential due to point charge is inversely proportional to the distance from the point charge. This means that as the distance increases, the potential decreases.

4. How does the sign of the charge affect the potential due to point charge?

The sign of the charge affects the potential due to point charge by determining whether the potential is positive or negative. A positive charge will result in a positive potential, while a negative charge will result in a negative potential.

5. Can the potential due to point charge be negative?

Yes, the potential due to point charge can be negative. This occurs when the point charge is negative and the potential is being measured at a point closer to the point charge than the reference point. It can also be negative when the point charge is positive and the potential is being measured at a point further away from the point charge than the reference point.

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