How does electric potential relate to point charges in homework problems?

AI Thread Summary
Electric potential is a scalar quantity, not a vector, which means it does not have direction. In the context of two isolated point charges, the potential at a specific point P can be zero if the contributions from both charges cancel each other out. This cancellation occurs when the sum of their potentials, expressed as kq/r for each charge, equals zero. Understanding this concept allows for the calculation of the unknown charge at point B based on the condition that the total potential at P is zero. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing how electric potentials from multiple charges interact.
WeiLoong
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12417589_10205411987170709_6390638921146727371_n.jpg?oh=e166de7d1246b4afacebe60bac5ce654&oe=570B03E4&__gda__=1460454017_6cad38b2934b81eeeccbeedf05704e4b

Homework Equations


Electric potential

The Attempt at a Solution


Is electric potential a vector quantity?
So that mean both charges product electric potential and result in zero at P?
How should i start for question 17a?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
WeiLoong said:
Is electric potential a vector quantity?
No. It is scalar.
 
Electric potential is a scalar. Now, what does it mean that potential at P is zero? You have two isolated point charges, that each one produces an electric field around it. So, how can the potential at P be zero? Answering that, you can immediately see that using this fact and a simple formula, you can calculate point charge at B.
 
QuantumQuest said:
Electric potential is a scalar. Now, what does it mean that potential at P is zero? You have two isolated point charges, that each one produces an electric field around it. So, how can the potential at P be zero? Answering that, you can immediately see that using this fact and a simple formula, you can calculate point charge at B.

That mean kq/r+kq/r=0 something like that?
 
WeiLoong said:
That mean kq/r+kq/r=0 something like that?
What would be the potential at point P, if you didn't have point charge at B? But you have this point charge at B and potential at P is zero. So, you have a zero from two scalars (V). What does this imply for the second potential (i.e. regarding B)?
 
Last edited:
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Back
Top