Is Electric Potential Zero at the Origin?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the confusion regarding electric potential at the origin, with participants debating whether the electric potential is zero or if it can be determined. It is clarified that the electric potential at the origin (V0) is greater than the potential at point A (Va), and that the relationship can be expressed mathematically as V0 = Va + Ex, where x is the position on the x-axis. Participants also discuss the implications of a uniform electric field, noting that parallel lines of electric force indicate this uniformity. The conversation reflects a need for clarity in understanding electric potential versus electric potential energy, particularly in the context of a multiple-choice question. Ultimately, the conclusion is that V0 is greater than Va, but the exact value of Va remains unknown.
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http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6329/potential4iu.png

i thought the electric potenial would be larger at Va than at V0.

Va>V0

Apparently I'm wrong. I thought since R=0 at the origin the electric potential would also be zero. Is that not the case?

Can the electric potential even be determined?

Or am i mixing it up with electric potential energy?
 
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In the picture you attached, I think that the electric field is uniform[/color]
 
phucnv87 said:
In the picture you attached, I think that the electric field is uniform[/color]

How do u arrive at this conclusion?
 
Because the lines of electric force are parallel[/color]
 
phucnv87 said:
Because the lines of electric force are parallel[/color]

=( apparently that's incorrect. It's either V0>VA or "cannot be determined"

I really need to get the answer right... since it's a multiple choice question -- -6.67 is my current score(negative)... if it's right i'll get -3.33 or -10 if it's wrong.
 
As the picture shows, we have V_0>V_A and because we don't know V_A, so we can calculate V_0. If we know V_A we can calculate V_0 by this method V_0=V_A+Ex where x is the position of point A in the x-axis.[/color]
 
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phucnv87 said:
As the picture shows, we have V_0>V_A and because we don't know V_A, so we can calculate V_0. If we know V_A we can calculate V_0 by this method V_0=V_A+Ex where x is the position of point A in the x-axis.[/color]
Thanks. That helps. :approve:
 
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