What is the Potential Difference VC-VA in the Electric Field Problem?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the potential difference VC-VA in an electric field problem involving a charge. It is established that moving a 34.26 nC charge from point A to B requires 3.3 μJ of work, while moving it from C to B requires -3.3 μJ. The key equation used is Uel = qV, which relates potential energy to charge and voltage. Participants clarify that potential differences are significant, allowing for the potential at any point to be set to zero, with V_A set to zero in this case. The conversation emphasizes the need to determine the relationship between V_A and V_B based on the work done.
BuBbLeS01
Messages
602
Reaction score
0
Potential difference please help!

Homework Statement


It takes 3.3 μJ of work to move a 34.26 nC charge from point A to B. It takes -3.3 μJ of work to move the charge from C to B. What is the potential difference VC-VA?


Homework Equations


Uel = qV


The Attempt at a Solution


Don't I just find the difference between A and C?
Vc = Uelc * qc = 1.13x10^-13
And Va would be the same so I know I am not understanding this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Let's do this in pieces.

Since only potential differences are physically significant, you can set the potential at zero at any point you want. Let's set V_A=0. Since it takes negative work to move a charge from A to B, is V_B less than, greater than, or equal to V_A? Can you compute V_B?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Potential difference between two points in an electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Potential difference between two points (VA - VB)
Replies
1
Views
6K
Single Loop Potential difference -- sign issue
Replies
8
Views
1K
Is vA Greater Than, Equal to, or Less Than vC After the Collisions?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
1K
The potential difference of a proton
Replies
4
Views
4K
Electric Potential Energy of Point Charge Systems
Replies
2
Views
886
Cylinderical reigon and potential difference
Replies
1
Views
1K
Voltage, electric field and potential energy for concentric shells
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Terminal Voltage and Potential Difference in a Circuit?
Replies
3
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top