Question concerning a formula to calculate work

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SUMMARY

The formula for calculating work in an electric field is defined as W = qΔV, where ΔV represents the change in electric potential and q denotes the charge being moved. In this context, when moving a point charge within an electric field created by another point charge, the q in the equation specifically refers to the charge of the point charge being moved, while V is determined by the potential due to the stationary point charge. This clarification ensures accurate calculations of work associated with the movement of charges in electric fields.

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I have the formula W=q\DeltaV. Where \DeltaV is the change in electric potential, and q is a charge. Say I wanted to move a point charge some distance in an electric field (created by another point charge) and calculate the work associated with this movement. Does the q in the above equation relate to the point charge I'm moving, or the one that is creating the electric field?

I know V for a point charge is kq/r, and I would use the charge of the point charge I'm moving there.

Thanks.
 
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q in the "W = q ΔV" equation refers to the charge being moved. V refers to the potential due to the other (non-moving) point charge.
 
That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.
 

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