Understanding Potential Difference in Terms of Electric Field and Distance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the calculation of potential difference (ΔV) using electric field (E) and distance (Δx). The user questions the book's solution, asserting that their calculations of Δx and ΔE are correct, leading to a ΔV of -200 V. They highlight a misunderstanding in the book's representation, noting that the vertical axis should reflect V/m, indicating the rate of change of voltage with distance rather than voltage itself. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the graph to derive accurate results. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the relationship between electric field, distance, and potential difference.
Miike012
Messages
1,009
Reaction score
0
I posted the question and the answer from the book inside the paint document.

My question is why is the answer not...

Δx = 3-1 = 2m
ΔE = 200-0 = 200V/m

ΔV = -(Area under E vs x graph) = -Δx*ΔE/2 = -200 V
 

Attachments

  • Question.jpg
    Question.jpg
    7.3 KB · Views: 382
Physics news on Phys.org
Miike012 said:
I posted the question and the answer from the book inside the paint document.

My question is why is the answer not...

Δx = 3-1 = 2m
ΔE = 200-0 = 200V/m

ΔV = -(Area under E vs x graph) = -Δx*ΔE/2 = -200 V
Your answer looks right to me.

What the book has for a solution is bizarre .
 
The vertical axis isn't Volts it's V/m (eg the rate of change of V with distance).
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Potential difference between two points in an electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Spring's Potential Energy expression
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why does electric potential energy increase if you move against the field?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Two different dielectrics between parallel-plate capacitor
Replies
6
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
1K
Speed of a proton through potential difference
Replies
6
Views
4K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
3K
Understand Electric Potential Energy, Difference & Potential
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electron brought to rest by the E-field, potential difference question
Replies
4
Views
6K
Conceptual Issue RE: electric potential difference
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top