Total Electric Potential, when is it zero?

In summary, two charges, +6.0µC and -2.0µC, are separated by 10.0 cm at points A and B. The question asks for the locations on the line between the two charges where the total electric potential is 0. To solve this, one can set the electric potential at a chosen point "x" on the line to 0 and solve for x. There are three possible locations for this point: between the charges or on either side. Trying each possibility may lead to a solution.
  • #1
aeromat
114
0

Homework Statement


A charge of +6.0µC at point A is separated 10.0 cm from a charge of -2.0µC at point B. At what locations on the line that passes through the two charges will the total electric potential be 0?

The Attempt at a Solution

[(+) A] ------------------------------ [(-) B]I know that for them to cancel out each other, then they must be equal to each other. However, I don't know how to proceed to determine where the right location would be.
 
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  • #2
Suppose you pick a point that's a distance "x" from A, and therefore 10 cm - x from B. Can you write out the electric potential at that point? If so, just set it to 0 and solve for x.
 
  • #3
Yes, there are three main sections that the point may be (between the charges, or on either side) Try all of these possibilities and see if you can make one of them work.
 

1. What is total electric potential?

Total electric potential is the sum of the electric potential from all individual charges in a given space. It is a measure of the potential energy that a unit charge would have if placed in that space.

2. How is total electric potential calculated?

Total electric potential can be calculated by adding the individual electric potentials of all charges in a given space. The formula for electric potential is V=kQ/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge to the point where the potential is being measured.

3. When is total electric potential zero?

Total electric potential is zero when the sum of all individual electric potentials in a given space is equal to zero. This can happen when the charges in the space are arranged in such a way that their positive and negative potentials cancel each other out.

4. What does it mean when total electric potential is zero?

When total electric potential is zero, it means that there is no potential energy for a unit charge at any point in the given space. This can occur in situations where there is a balance between positive and negative charges, or when there are no charges present in the space.

5. How does the concept of total electric potential relate to electric fields?

The concept of total electric potential is related to electric fields in that electric potential is directly proportional to electric field strength. In other words, where there is a high electric potential, there is also a strong electric field. The direction of the electric field is also determined by the direction of the change in electric potential.

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