Electric Potential in a Region: Is it Zero or Nonzero?

In summary, the potential is constant throughout the region and therefore there can be no electric field present.
  • #1
GreenDinos
10
0
The potential is constant throughout a given region of space. Which of the following statements is true? Be sure you can justify your answer.

The electric field may have places where it is zero, and places where it is nonzero in this region.
The electric field is nonzero in this region.
The electric field is zero in this region.
The electric field may be zero or nonzero everywhere in this region.

Ok- so at first i thought the answer was that it was zero or nonzero everywhere since you can decide what to make the starting potential- since the electrical potential is just the difference. But this answer turned out to be wrong... now I'm thinking that the electric field is zero in the region since it is constant...?
 
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  • #2
nevermind- i got it
 
  • #3
If the potential is the same everywhere, then there can no field.

- Warren
 

FAQ: Electric Potential in a Region: Is it Zero or Nonzero?

What is electric potential in a region?

Electric potential in a region is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at any given point in that region. It is a scalar quantity that describes the strength and direction of the electric field in that region.

How is electric potential in a region calculated?

Electric potential in a region is calculated by dividing the electric potential energy by the amount of charge present at a specific point in that region. The unit of measurement for electric potential is volts (V).

What does it mean if the electric potential in a region is zero?

If the electric potential in a region is zero, it means that there is no change in electric potential energy as a charge moves through that region. This could indicate that there is no electric field present or that the electric field is constant throughout the region.

Is electric potential always nonzero?

No, electric potential can be zero or nonzero depending on the presence and strength of the electric field in a given region. In some cases, the electric potential may be constant throughout a region, resulting in a zero electric potential.

How is the electric potential in a region affected by the presence of charged particles?

The electric potential in a region can be affected by the presence of charged particles. If there are charges present, they can create an electric field which will influence the electric potential in that region. The magnitude and direction of the electric potential will depend on the strength and distribution of the charged particles.

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