When is the Electric Potential 0

In summary: So for the electric potential energy of a charged object, you could choose to calculate it as the difference in electric potential energy between the point you are interested in and some other point that you choose to define as 0. Typically, that other point is at "infinity".In summary, potential is a relative measure and can be set to 0 at any given point. For electric potential energy, the common convention is to set it to 0 at infinity.
  • #1
Katran0595
2
0

Homework Statement


The question asks: Where is the electric potential 0?

Homework Equations


I believe the relevant equations are v=1/(4*pi*epsilon) (Q/r) or v=-Ed

The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the electric potential is 0 when the electric field is zero as well. However, I am not quite sure which equations to look at exactly or if an equation is necessary. Some answers state that the electric potential is zero when it is near the smaller charge or it is zero when the point is at infinity.
 
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  • #2
Katran0595 said:

Homework Statement


The question asks: Where is the electric potential 0?

Homework Equations


I believe the relevant equations are v=1/(4*pi*epsilon) (Q/r) or v=-Ed

The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the electric potential is 0 when the electric field is zero as well. However, I am not quite sure which equations to look at exactly or if an equation is necessary. Some answers state that the electric potential is zero when it is near the smaller charge or it is zero when the point is at infinity.

Welcome to the PF.

Is there a figure that goes along with this question? Can you scan it or describe it? :smile:
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

Is there a figure that goes along with this question? Can you scan it or describe it? :smile:
Unfortunately there is no figure. The professor just asked us the general question :(
 
  • #4
It is nothing to do with the field's being zero. Where the field is zero, that just means the potential is not changing there, in any direction.
Potential, whether electric or gravitational, is a relative matter. That is why we usually speak of potential difference. You can set any point to be at zero potential, and determine potentials elsewhere in relation to it. In particular, when we say that some conductor is grounded, we just mean that it is held at the potential we are defining as zero.
That said, a usual convention is to say that the potential at infinity is zero.
 
  • #5
"Potential energy" is always relative to some given point. You can choose the potential energy to be 0 at any given point by choosing to calculate it relative to that point.
 

FAQ: When is the Electric Potential 0

1. When is the electric potential 0?

The electric potential is 0 at points on a conductor that are equidistant from all charges. This is known as an equipotential point.

2. How do you calculate when the electric potential is 0?

The electric potential at any point is calculated by dividing the electric potential energy by the charge at that point. Therefore, to calculate when the electric potential is 0, you would need to set the electric potential energy to 0 or have a charge of 0 at that point.

3. Can the electric potential ever be negative?

Yes, the electric potential can be negative. This occurs when the electric potential energy is negative, which can happen if the charge at a point is negative.

4. Why is the electric potential 0 at infinity?

At infinity, the distance between any point and the charges is essentially infinite. This means that the electric potential energy is approaching 0, and therefore the electric potential at that point is also 0.

5. What is the significance of the electric potential being 0?

An electric potential of 0 indicates that there is no potential difference between two points. This means that no work is required to move a charge between those two points, and therefore there is no flow of charge or current. It is also a reference point for measuring electric potential differences.

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