Conceptual question help-Electric fields, potentials, etc.

In summary, the conversation discusses conceptual questions about electric fields, potentials, and electrostatic forces. In the first question, it is asked if the electric potential must be equal to zero if the electric field is zero at a given point. It is determined that this is not always the case and an example is provided to prove it. In the second question, the directions and relative values of the electrostatic forces acting on two small charged spheres are discussed. It is concluded that the forces will be in opposite directions and the force on one sphere will be twice that of the other due to their differing charges. The conversation also mentions the importance of considering conditions and the applicability of equations in different situations.
  • #1
Hayliee30
7
0
Conceptual question help--Electric fields, potentials, etc.

Homework Statement



1) Assume that the electric field E is equal to zero at a given point. Does it mean the electric potential V must also be equal to zero at this point? If not, provide an example to prove your answer. if you think the answer is "yes," then justify it.

I'm assuming the potential would also have to be zero, right? According to the equation V = E*D, if E is zero...then V would also have to be zero, right? Does the equation apply to all situations...or does it only hold when certain "conditions" are met?

2) 2 small. uniformly charged spheres A & B are at a fixed location. The charge on sphere B is twice the charge on sphere A. Both are positive. What are the directions and relative values of the electostatic forces acting on both spheres?

I know the directions would be in opposite directions of each other. However, the relative value would be..the electrostatic force acting on A would be twice of that when compared to B..since B has twice the charge, right? I'm not really sure on the relative value. If anyone could explain this to me..I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
1) You're guessing. Where did you find V = E*D mentioned without there being some "conditions" ?

2) I take it the context is that only electrostatic forces have to be considered. Newton 3 is still valid! Write down each of these forces and draw your conclusions.
 

FAQ: Conceptual question help-Electric fields, potentials, etc.

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electric charge experiences a force. It can be thought of as a force per unit charge, and is represented by arrows pointing in the direction the force would act on a positive charge.

2. How is an electric field different from an electric potential?

While an electric field is a vector quantity that represents the force per unit charge, electric potential is a scalar quantity that represents the potential energy per unit charge. In other words, the electric field determines the direction and magnitude of the force, while the electric potential determines the amount of work needed to move a charge from one point to another in an electric field.

3. How can I calculate the electric field at a given point?

To calculate the electric field at a point, you need to know the magnitude and direction of the charges in the vicinity of that point. From there, you can use Coulomb's Law to determine the force between the charges and then divide by the charge at the point in question to find the electric field.

4. What is the relationship between electric potential and voltage?

Electric potential and voltage are closely related concepts. Voltage is a measure of the electric potential difference between two points in an electric field. In other words, it is the difference in electric potential between two points that causes a charge to flow.

5. How does the presence of a dielectric material affect electric fields and potentials?

A dielectric material is an insulating material that can be placed between charged objects. In the presence of a dielectric, the electric field is reduced due to the polarization of the material. This results in a decrease in the potential difference between the charges, making it more difficult for charges to move and reducing the overall strength of the electric field.

Similar threads

Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
2K
The electric potential inside a conducting sphere with charge Q
Replies
11
Views
669
Charge on a grounded conducting sphere in a uniform electric field, after ungrounding and movement
Replies
1
Views
779
Electrostatics help please -- Electric field, potential
Replies
5
Views
1K
Induced charge on a conducting sphere sliced by a plane
Replies
2
Views
628
Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
Replies
23
Views
2K
Potential difference between two points in an electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Van der Graaf Generator: Charge, Potential and Redesign Questions
Replies
8
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
916
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
Replies
10
Views
631

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top