Voltage potential due to 2 charges

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric potential at points a and b due to charges Q1 = +1.60 nC and Q2 = -1.60 nC, the equation V = kQ/r is used. The user initially calculated the potential but received an incorrect result of 191700 V. A participant pointed out that the user mistakenly used microcoulombs instead of nanocoulombs in their calculations. Correcting this numerical error is essential for obtaining the right potential values. The discussion emphasizes the importance of unit accuracy in physics problems.
bobby3280
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Homework Statement


Find the potential at points a and b in the diagram for charges Q1 = +1.60 nC and Q2 = -1.60 nC.

I know b is 0
physics.gif



Homework Equations



V = kQ/r

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried this using the equation and got

8.99e9 * [( +1.60e-6 / .05) + ( -1.60e-6 / .15 ) ] = 191700 V but this isn't right any suggestions??
 
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bobby3280 said:

Homework Statement


Find the potential at points a and b in the diagram for charges Q1 = +1.60 nC and Q2 = -1.60 nC.

I know b is 0
physics.gif



Homework Equations



V = kQ/r

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried this using the equation and got

8.99e9 * [( +1.60e-6 / .05) + ( -1.60e-6 / .15 ) ] = 191700 V but this isn't right any suggestions??

If its nancoulombs as the question suggests then you've just made a numerical error in the solution. Nano = x10-9
 
Wow how'd I miss that thanks!
 
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