Work in moving through zero potential difference

In summary, when moving a positive charge from infinity to a location with zero net electric field between two positive charges, the electric field does zero work due to no potential difference. However, the electric field does work at all other points along the path and there is a changing potential. This is because the charge possesses a positive voltage at the point between the two positive charges, assuming zero voltage at infinity.
  • #1
UMath1
361
9
If I were to move a positive charge from infinity to a location between two positive charges where the net electric field is zero, the electric field would do zero work because there is no potential difference right? I am confused about why this is though. As you move the charge from infinity, the electric field will always point in the direction opposing the charge's motion. Doesn't the electric field then do negative work?
 
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  • #2
UMath1 said:
If I were to move a positive charge from infinity to a location between two positive charges where the net electric field is zero, the electric field would do zero work because there is no potential difference right?
No. The electric field is only zero at that one point along that path. At all other points along that path there is an electric field, it does work, and there is a changing potential.
 
  • #3
I see. That is because the charge would possesses a positive voltage at the point between the two positive charges, right?
 
  • #4
Yes, assuming zero voltage at infinity.
 
  • #5
Thanks. That makes more sense.
 

1. What is work in moving through zero potential difference?

Work in moving through zero potential difference refers to the amount of energy required to move an object through a region where the electric potential is equal to zero. This means that there is no change in the potential energy of the object as it moves through this region.

2. How is work in moving through zero potential difference calculated?

The work in moving through zero potential difference is calculated by multiplying the charge of the object by the change in electric potential as it moves through the region with zero potential difference. This can be represented by the equation W=qΔV, where W is the work done, q is the charge of the object, and ΔV is the change in electric potential.

3. What is the significance of work in moving through zero potential difference?

The significance of work in moving through zero potential difference lies in the fact that it does not contribute to the change in potential energy of the object. This means that the work done in this region does not affect the overall energy of the system and does not result in any change in the motion of the object.

4. How does work in moving through zero potential difference relate to electric fields?

Work in moving through zero potential difference is closely related to electric fields. In regions where the electric potential is zero, the electric field is also zero. This means that there is no force acting on the object, thus no work is done in moving through this region.

5. Can work be done in moving through a region with non-zero potential difference?

Yes, work can be done in moving through a region with non-zero potential difference. This is because there is a change in potential energy as the object moves through this region. The amount of work done will depend on the magnitude of the electric field and the distance the object moves through this region.

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