What are the correct answers to this Equipotential Contours Homework statement?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the correct answers to an Equipotential Contours homework statement involving electric potential energy and charge signs. Key points include the understanding that a potential energy (PE) of zero corresponds to a 0V reference, and that the closest contour lines indicate the largest charge. The participant's answers were scrutinized, particularly regarding the signs of charges and their magnitudes, leading to a resolution of confusion about the relationships between electric potential and charge. Ultimately, the participant clarified their understanding of the potential energy in relation to the charges involved.

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Homework Statement



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2. Relevant thoughts

Here, I numbered them down and put why I though those answers were what I have above

1- since 0V, its PE is zero
2- Closest contour lines, largest charge
3- Q1 is farther back from 0v, making it the largest negative
4- above 0V so it has a positive PE
5- Past 0V so its a positive charge
6- I has a higher electrical potential since its closer tot he positive charge

The Attempt at a Solution



You can see my attempt above...im really not sure at all what one is wrong, and why?

Homework Statement


2. NOT correct

T
F
T
T
T
F
--------

T
T
F
T
T
F
--------

T
F
F
T
T
F

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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State why you gave the answers that you did so we can help you.
 
SammyS said:
State why you gave the answers that you did so we can help you.

Wrote them above.
 
You say #2 is the largest magnitude charge, which ignores signs. This part looks right. But another one is not. Look at the sign of q2 again...
 
MrNerd said:
You say #2 is the largest magnitude charge, which ignores signs. This part looks right. But another one is not. Look at the sign of q2 again...

even if number three was true, its still not all right?
 
badd99 said:
even if number three was true, its still not all right?

It looks like it should be. I don't see any errors that stick out at the moment. If you want to be really sure, you could wait for some other people to give their opinion.
 
I know its not right because with it marked true, it was my very first response (the above answers with 3 being true.) I thought that was right to begin with but its not.
 
How is the potential energy of a charged particle related to the particle's charge and the electric potential at the particle's location?

Which number is lower, 2 or 3 ?
 
SOLVED! Thanks!
 

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