Voltage Question: Find Potential Difference at x=4.0m, y=2.0m

[freeofwork]

Homework Statement

A 4.0μC charge is situated at the origin of an xy coordinate system. What is the potential difference between the points x=4.0m and y=2.0m because of this charge?

Homework Equations

V = k X q/r

The Attempt at a Solution

So i got the absolute value of the voltage to be 9.0 X 10^3. Howver how do you know if the voltage is negative or positive?

 

[gneill]

The question asks for the potential difference, so find the potential at 4.0m and at 2.0m and then take the difference.

 

[freeofwork]

The question asks for the potential difference, so find the potential at 4.0m and at 2.0m and then take the difference.

how do i know which voltage comes first in the difference?

 

[gneill]

how do i know which voltage comes first in the difference?

If asked the difference between A and B, I'd write "A - B".

 

[freeofwork]

thank you so much!