Uniform electric field in a triangular arrangement

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating electric potential differences in a uniform electric field of 1600 N/C directed negatively along the y-axis. For part (a), the potential difference VB - VA is correctly determined to be 0 V. In part (b), the user struggles with the calculation for VC - VB, mistakenly using the same distance twice, which leads to an incorrect answer. The user seeks guidance on how to approach the problem without specific charge values at the points, emphasizing the need to understand the relationship between electric field, potential difference, and distance. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately determining the separation between points to apply the relevant equations effectively.
larkinfan11
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Homework Statement



The drawing shows a uniform electric field that points in the negative y direction; the magnitude of the field is 1600 N/C.

http://www.webassign.net/CJ/p19-32.jpg

a) Determine the electric potential difference VB - VA between the points A and B.
The answer here is 0 V.

(b) Determine the electric potential difference VC - VB between the points B and C.
V

(c) Determine the electric potential difference VA - VC between the points C and A.
V




Homework Equations



delta(V)=-Ed



The Attempt at a Solution



For A, delta(V)= -(1600N/C)(.06m)- -(1600N/C)(.06m)= 0V

For B, I tried delta(V)= -(1600)(.08)- -(1600)(.08)=0V which is an incorrect answer according to my online submission.

C hasn't been attempted yet, because I'm going to need to make sure I'm doing this correctly.

I'm not sure how to determine the different potentials when I have no values for the point charges... Can anyone offer some assistance? Not looking for answers, just guidance that will get me on my way. Thanks!
 
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Can anyone help me out here?
 
You used 0.8 twice in B) which would put both charges in the same place (in y).

You want their separation, the amount the E field drops off with that distance. Which is linear according to the equation shown.

(i think, I am no physicist)
 
Last edited:
I figured that using the 0.8 twice is part of my problem, but I'm honestly lost as to how to determine Vb and Va, etc. without any information about a charge at each of those points, let alone calculating delta(v) between those without any of that information. If someone could give me a clue on that, I can handle the rest. I've spent hours on this problem and I don't even think I'm looking at it correctly anymore.
 
E=(delta(V)/delta(s)) where s is the distance between the points, it works for part b but i don't know about part c yet

you switch it around to get delta(V)=E*delta(s)
 

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