Work needed to move a point charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to move a +0.50μC test charge between two +30μC charges placed 32cm apart. The correct formula to use is W = qV, where V is the electric potential calculated using V = kQ/r. The solution reveals that the work done is 1.08 Joules, emphasizing the need to account for the electric potential at both positions of the test charge, considering the repulsive forces from both +30μC charges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and work done in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the concept of electric charge
  • Knowledge of the formula for electric potential, V = kQ/r
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and solving for unknowns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric potential energy and its relation to work done in electrostatics
  • Learn how to calculate electric potential at various points in a system of charges
  • Explore the implications of multiple charges on the movement of test charges
  • Investigate the role of distance in the electric potential and force between charges
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric forces and potential energy in charge systems.

TrpnBils
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Homework Statement



A +30μC charge is placed 32cm from an identical charge. How much work would be required to move a +0.50μC test charge from a point midway between them to a point 10cm closer to one of the charges.

Homework Equations


W = qV
V = kQ/r


The Attempt at a Solution



Tried solving with +30μC as the Q value, r as 0.32m, and q as the test charge but I'm getting this wrong. The answer is 1.08 Joules. I know that the work done = ΔPE between the two locations, but I'm not sure how to calculate this given that BOTH charges on the ends are pushing it away...
 
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TrpnBils said:

Homework Statement



A +30μC charge is placed 32cm from an identical charge. How much work would be required to move a +0.50μC test charge from a point midway between them to a point 10cm closer to one of the charges.

Homework Equations


W = qV
V = kQ/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried solving with +30μC as the Q value, r as 0.32m, and q as the test charge but I'm getting this wrong. The answer is 1.08 Joules. I know that the work done = ΔPE between the two locations, but I'm not sure how to calculate this given that BOTH charges on the ends are pushing it away...
What is the electric potential, due to the two +30μC charges, at a point midway between them and at a point 10cm closer to one of the charges.
 

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