What does 0 electric potential difference mean?

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SUMMARY

Zero electric potential difference (PD) indicates that two points in an electric field have the same electric potential, meaning no energy is required to move a charge between them. This concept is crucial in understanding electric fields and forces acting on charged particles. The discussion clarifies that while zero potential is arbitrary, zero potential difference is a definitive measure of equality in potential energy at two locations. The relationship between electric potential (U_q) and potential difference (V) is defined as V = U_{q_f} - U_{q_o}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and electric fields
  • Familiarity with basic physics terminology related to charge and energy
  • Knowledge of the relationship between electric potential and potential difference
  • Experience with measuring electric potential using an ammeter
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields and their effects on charged particles
  • Learn about the applications of electric potential in circuit design
  • Explore the implications of zero potential difference in practical scenarios
  • Investigate the relationship between gravitational potential energy and electric potential
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching electric potential concepts, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetism and their applications in circuits.

kyub7
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This isn't a homework question, but while working on some questions in Physics AP C, I've come across several questions involving 0 PD (potential difference).
My question is simple; what does 0 PD mean?
so far i know that 0 potential difference of any kind is arbitrary, since it represents the amount of energy required to displace it from point a to b. Therefore i am aware that 0 does not really mean: 'no potential energy at that point'.

Screen Shot 2014-03-28 at 11.09.25 PM.png

(new to forum; i hope there's an image above this line^^)

the image above is a simulation of 1 negative charge, and 3 positive charge with some distance between them. the white area supposedly shows 0 PD, but what is so special about it? Does a charge or an object behave differently in those areas?
 
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0 potential value is arbitrary; 0 potential difference is not.

0 potential difference between two locations means that the potential values AT each point are the same.

As to your specific question:
What would be the effective force on a charged particle placed within the white region?
 
As arildno stated, you're not being consistent with use of your termonology.
U_{q}="Electric Potential"
V= "Potential Difference" = U_{q_{f}}-U_{q_{o}}
The second is what you measure with your ammeter in class.
 
To actually answer your question, 0 electric potential is like setting a 0 for gravitational potential energy, put it where it's most convenient (probably ground in your circuit)
0 Potential difference means that the 2 points your measuring between are at the same electric potential.
 

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