Simple Electric Potential/Field problem

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The discussion revolves around a first-year physics question regarding the electric potential and field at the location of a point charge. The original poster is uncertain whether to take limits as the distance approaches zero, leading to confusion about whether the values become infinite or undefined. Responses clarify that the electric potential at the location of the point charge is indeed undefined. The conversation highlights the common misunderstanding of electric fields and potentials in relation to point charges. Overall, the consensus is that the electric potential and field at the point charge itself cannot be defined.
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Homework Statement


Okay this is a simple first year physics question, but I couldn't find anything about it online. Using the simple equation for electric field/potential due to a point charge, what's the electric potential/field at the coordinates of the point charge itself?


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The Attempt at a Solution



I'm tempted take limits as r approaches 0, but that seems to imply it approaches infinity which appears absurd. Either that or it's undefined. Anyone?
 
Last edited:
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its undefined.
 
supratim1 said:
its undefined.
You're two years too late. :smile:
 

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