Potential From an Electric Field

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the potential difference between two points in a uniform electric field, the formula used is V = -∫E * dl. In this case, with an electric field of 8 kN/C in the x direction, the potential difference from the origin to 4 m is determined solely by the field and not the point charge. The result of the calculation yields a potential difference of -32 kV, indicating the work done against the field. The presence of the point charge affects the force experienced but does not alter the potential difference calculation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for solving related problems involving point charges in electric fields.
snoweangel27
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
I have been trying to calculate the potential difference between to points. In doing so, I have tried taking \int -E * dl, in which I end up with -E*4, but that does not include the point charge, and I'm just not sure what I need to do to Calculate the potential with the addition of the point charge.

Question
A uniform electric field of 8 kN/C is in the x direction. A positive point charge Q = 3 micro Coloumbs is released from rest at the origin.
--What is the potential difference V(4 m) - V(0)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're doing OK. The potential difference only depends on the field, not on the charge you are putting in the field. (I suspect there will be addition questions for this problem where you will need to use the charge.)
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Earthing of two parallel conducting plates
Replies
11
Views
1K
Capacitors, equipotentials, and electric fields
Replies
5
Views
950
The sign of the change in potential
Replies
7
Views
457
Potential difference between two points in an electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
3K
Understanding the energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field
Replies
2
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
1K
Calculating eletric potential using line integral of electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
Replies
10
Views
1K
Charge on a grounded conducting sphere in a uniform electric field, after ungrounding and movement
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top