Electric Potential: Determine Position & Charge of Particles

In summary, electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit of charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is directly related to electric field and can be used to determine the position of a charged particle. To calculate the electric potential of multiple particles, the principle of superposition can be used. Electric potential can be negative, indicating that a charged particle has lost potential energy.
  • #1
chagonio87
1
0
can anybody help me with the following question:
the electric potential everwhere in xy plane is given by
V = 36/ ((x+1)^2 +y^2)^ 1/2 - 45/(x^2 +(y-2)^2)^ 1/2
where V is in volts and x,y in meters. Determine the position and charge on each of the particles that create this potential
 
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  • #2
Hi chagonio87, welcome to PF. Please the template for homework help, list the relevant equations and tell us how you would approach the problem. Specifically about this problem, what do you know about discrete point charges and the potential they create in space?
 

FAQ: Electric Potential: Determine Position & Charge of Particles

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit of charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is a measure of the electric potential energy that a charged particle would experience at that point.

How is electric potential related to electric field?

Electric potential is directly related to electric field. The electric field at a specific point is the negative gradient of the electric potential at that point. In other words, the electric field is the change in electric potential over a distance.

How can I determine the position of a particle using electric potential?

To determine the position of a charged particle, you can use the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the particle, and r is the distance from the particle. By rearranging the equation, you can solve for r and determine the position of the particle.

How do I calculate the electric potential of multiple particles?

To calculate the electric potential of multiple particles, you can use the principle of superposition. This means that the total electric potential at a point is equal to the sum of the individual electric potentials contributed by each particle at that point. You can use the equation V = ∑(kQ/r) to calculate the total electric potential.

Can electric potential be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. This means that the electric potential energy of a charged particle at that point is negative, indicating that it has lost some potential energy as it moved towards that point. A negative electric potential is usually associated with a positively charged particle, as it would experience an attractive force towards a negatively charged particle at that point.

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