- #1
girlinphysics
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Homework Statement
Two points A and B are separated in space by distance dr.
A has coordinates (x,y,z) and B has coordinates (x+dx, y+dy, z+dz).
Using the definition of potential difference, show [itex]E = -\nabla\phi[/itex]
Homework Equations
[itex]E = -\nabla\phi[/itex]
[itex]V = \int{^A_B}{E\cdot{dr}}[/itex]
The Attempt at a Solution
With the two formulas listed above, I think I can find V, taking [itex]E = (\frac{d}{dx}, \frac{d}{dy}, \frac{d}{dz})[/itex] from the question which means simply [itex]V = (x,y,z)[/itex]. Since the del operator is [itex] (\frac{d}{dx}, \frac{d}{dy}, \frac{d}{dz})[/itex], applying that to V you get [itex]E = (\frac{d}{dx}, \frac{d}{dy}, \frac{d}{dz})[/itex].
I know its not this simple because it seems like my maths has gone around in circles. Any help please?