Calculate the work needed to move a test charge from point B to D

In summary, to calculate the work needed to move a 1.5μC test charge from point B to D, the formula W = q(VD - VB) can be used. This involves finding the potential difference between the two points, which can be calculated by considering the potential at each point due to the surrounding charges.
  • #1
shashaeee
30
0
Calculate the work needed too move a 1.5μC test charge from point B to D.
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Can someone just check if I'm thinking correctly?

Do I just use the formula:

W = qEd ?

For the E, I calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at B.
And I use 25cm for the distance and q = 1.5μC
 
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  • #2
W = qEd only works (pun?) if E is uniform. Instead, relate the work to electric potential or electric potential energy.
 
  • #3
Ohhh, I see. So basically, the work needed to bring 1.5μC from a distance (25cm) away to a point 25cm from a charge 75μC?

Would it make sense to use this formula?


W = q(Va - Vb)
W = q[(k*Qa/ra) - (k*Qb/rb)]

q = 1.5μC
Qa = 75μC
Qb = 1.5μC

ra(75μC to D) = 25cm
rb(B to D) = 25cm
 
  • #4
That's more like it. But, since the charge is being carried from B to D, you'll need to find the potential difference in going from B to D. How would you find the potential at point B due to the two 75 μC charges? Point D?
 
  • #5
ohhh, righttt.

So, rewriting it ..

W = q(VD - VB)

VD = VD1 + VD2

VB = VB1 + VB2

where the distance for VD is 25cm
and the distance for VB is 35cm
 
  • #6
Yes, Good!
 
  • #7
oh, thank goodness lol! Thank youu!
 

FAQ: Calculate the work needed to move a test charge from point B to D

What is the definition of work in physics?

Work in physics is the amount of energy transferred to or from an object by a force acting on the object. It is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the force by the displacement of the object in the direction of the force.

What is a test charge in this scenario?

A test charge is a small, point-like object with a known charge that is used to measure the electric field at a certain point in space.

How is work related to the movement of a test charge from point B to D?

The work needed to move a test charge from point B to D is equal to the difference in electric potential energy between those two points. This is because the electric field does work on the test charge as it moves, transferring energy to or from the charge.

What factors affect the work needed to move a test charge?

The work needed to move a test charge is affected by the magnitude of the charge, the strength of the electric field, and the distance between the two points B and D.

How do you calculate the work needed to move a test charge from point B to D?

The work can be calculated using the formula W = qΔV, where q is the charge of the test charge and ΔV is the change in electric potential between points B and D. Alternatively, it can be calculated using the formula W = FΔx, where F is the force exerted on the test charge and Δx is the displacement of the charge in the direction of the force.

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