Potential of two point charges

In summary, the problem asks to find the potential V(x,y,z) above a grounded conducting plane with two point charges q1 and q2 located on a straight line normal to the plane. The potential at any point above the plane will be the sum of the potentials due to the two real and two virtual charges. The formula for the potential of one point charge in open space can be used, along with the concept of image charges, to define the potential at a point V(x,y,z > 0). The potential at any point (x,y,z > 0) will be the sum of the potentials due to the two real and two virtual charges. The formula for the potential at a point (x,y,z > 0)
  • #1
warfreak131
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Homework Statement



Two point charges q1 and q2 are located on a straight line normal to a grounded (V=0) conducting plane. Choosing the z axis to go through the charges, q1 is at a distance z1 above the conductor, and q2 is at a distance z2.

Find the potential V(x,y,z) everywhere above the conductor.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know the formula for the potential of 1 point charge in open space. I can also use image charges to define the potential at a point V(x,y,z > 0). But for two charges, would the potential at any point be the sum of the individual potentials?
 
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  • #2
Yes, the potential at a point (x,y,z > 0) is the sum of the potentials due to the two real and two virtual charges. Otherwise how would you ever get the potential to be zero at z=0?
 
  • #3
So as of now, my answer is

q1/(4pi e0) * 1/r [from (z-d) to (z+d)]

and in cartesian coordinates, r is (x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^1/2

and i would just sum this up with the same process except for q2?
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the potential of two point charges?

The formula for calculating the potential of two point charges is V=k(q1/q1)/r, where V is the potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between the two charges.

2. How does the distance between two point charges affect their potential?

The potential between two point charges is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charges and inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the charges increases, the potential decreases, and as the distance decreases, the potential increases.

3. Can the potential between two point charges ever be zero?

Yes, the potential between two point charges can be zero if the two charges have equal magnitudes and opposite signs and are placed at a certain distance from each other. This is known as a neutral equilibrium point.

4. How do multiple point charges affect the overall potential in a system?

The overall potential in a system with multiple point charges is the sum of the individual potentials between each pair of point charges. This means that the total potential at a point in the system is the sum of the potentials due to each individual charge at that point.

5. What is the significance of the potential of two point charges in physics?

The potential of two point charges is an important concept in electrostatics and is used to understand the behavior of electric charges. It helps to determine the force between two charges and can also be used to calculate the potential energy of a system of charges. This concept is also essential in many practical applications, such as designing electronic devices and understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules.

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