Some of my Winter Break physics problems

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to electric potential and electric fields, specifically involving point charges and a uniformly charged metal sphere. The original poster presents two physics problems assigned over winter break, seeking assistance with calculations involving electric potential and work done by electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the potential difference between points A and B, and how to calculate work done using the potential difference and charge. There are attempts to clarify the integration process for calculating work and the use of Gauss's law to find electric fields. Questions arise regarding the setup of distances and the application of equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on using equations for electric potential and work, while others express confusion about the integration process and the application of Gauss's law. There is a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and calculations, with no clear consensus on the second problem yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of understanding regarding the integration needed for the second problem and expresses uncertainty about applying the relevant equations. There are references to specific distances and potential values that are under discussion.

totalmajor
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Some of my Winter Break physics problems

Hey guys, I'm new to this site, and as the way things are going with my physics class, this won't be my last request for help lol.

Well anyway, our teacher assigned us a few problems to do over break, and since I have a week left I decided to start doing them now..

The first problem looks like this:

-------------------------------------------------------
Two point charges q1 = +2.20 nC and q2 = -6.50 nC are 0.100 m apart. Point A is midway between them and point B is 0.080 m from q1 and 0.060 m from q2 (Fig. 23.29). Take the electric potential to be zero at infinity.

(a) Find the potential at point A. **right**
(b) Find the potential at point B. **right**
(c) Find the work done by the electric field on a charge of 2.50 nC that travels from point B to point A.

-----------------------------------------

I got A and B right, but C I've got no clue how to do.. I was going over my notes and saw some sort of integration stuff, but I can't figure out how to do any of that!

================================

A total electric charge of 2.10 nC is distributed uniformly over the surface of a metal sphere with a radius of 36.0 cm. If the potential is zero at a point at infinity, find the value of the potential at the following distances from the center of the sphere.

(a) 48.0 cm
(b) 36.0 cm
(c) 12.0 cm

-----------------------------------------
This one, I've got NO CLUE how to do at all...
I know the basic equations v=U/q but what do you plug in where!?

-----------------------------------------

I guess I'll just leave it at these two for now until I get these right...

Thanks a lot!
Peter
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the potential difference between B and A? What does the product of the potential difference and the charge give you?
 
For first part use equation for points (A and B) V = Kq/r for Work = qV = U, so it will be q(Vb-Va)

For part two use Intergral of E dot dr should be equation in book
 
Last edited:
I don't know, do I do it the same way as i did for A and B?

How do you figure out the distance though?

Here's basically what I have on paper..
http://irollerblade.org/physics/phys.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well if you have the potential at A,[itex]V_A[/itex], and the potential at B,[itex]V_B[/itex]. What is the potential difference? when you get that all you need to do is multiply by the charge that you moving from B to A
 
Okay thanks a lot!
First problem is completely finished

But the second one I don't get..
I looked up the equation you were talking about
W(ab) = Integral of E(dot) dr

There's an example with something to do with infinity and r/2, for the first one it's zero, and the second one is r/2 so do i divide the radius by 2 and then multiply it by the what?

I'm sorry..
 
Use gauss law to find E, the "r/2 and infinity" are just different limits of integration.
 
Yeah I'm sorry but I don't get it..
E would be Q/4*pi*E(naught)
right?
But what do you multiply that by??
 
Your E is wrong missing R squared.
"But what do you multiply that by??" how do you simplify a dot product? (hint: you can choose any path for dr, and you know how the vector field E looks like)
 
  • #10
oh woops yeah I did forget R squared
so for vector path dr I'd put .48m because that's what they're looking for?
So .48Q/4piEnaughtRsquared?

Sorry, I'm just terrible at gaussian surfaces.. I never really understood how to do them
 
  • #11
For this case dr it is just the integration operator. And since you want from V(0m) - V(.48m) = integral of E dot dr, your limits would be 0 -> .48m (you might have to split it into two integrals, since you cannot have 1/0)
 
Last edited:
  • #12
i got it!
thanks a lot!
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K