- #1
etotheipi
Usually for a charge Q we state that for each point in space there exists a potential, and we can calculate this, draw graphs of potential etc.
However, if electric potential energy is a property of a system of two charges, and potential is PE for a 1C test charge, then how can we even define a potential? Is it assumed that the potential at any point in space is the potential energy the system of the source charge and the test charge would have if the test charge were at that point?
Perhaps in a more general sense, is it more common to just talk about the potential energy of a particle in the field of the source particle as opposed to the two charge system?
Edit
I think I figured it out.. sorry for the null thread!
However, if electric potential energy is a property of a system of two charges, and potential is PE for a 1C test charge, then how can we even define a potential? Is it assumed that the potential at any point in space is the potential energy the system of the source charge and the test charge would have if the test charge were at that point?
Perhaps in a more general sense, is it more common to just talk about the potential energy of a particle in the field of the source particle as opposed to the two charge system?
Edit
I think I figured it out.. sorry for the null thread!
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