Potential Difference b/t 2 points

In summary, there is a problem involving determining the potential difference between two points, A and B, in a region of space with an electric field of Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (3.91 N/C)x. The potential difference is calculated using the formula -\int_{A}^{B}\vec{E}.d\vec{l}, which simplifies to -\int_{0}^{3.97}E_xdx in this case. The correct answer is not achieved using the method of integrating E (wrt x) * x from x=0..3.97. Further clarification is needed on the expression for E_x and the process used to obtain the incorrect answer.
  • #1
rjnara
3
0
Ok, I've got a problem:

The electric field in a region of space has the components Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (3.91 N/C)x. Point A is on the y-axis at y = 2.83 m, and point B is on the x-axis at x = 3.97 m. What is the potential difference VB - VA?

I have tried integrating E (wrt x) * x from x=0..3.97 . I keep getting 81.5506, and its not the right answer. Anyhelp would be appreciated
 
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  • #2
The p.d between A and B is [tex]-\int_{A}^{B}\vec{E}.d\vec{l}[/tex]. In your problem this reduces to [tex]-\int_{0}^{3.97}E_xdx[/tex]. Can you do it from here?
 
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  • #3
rjnara said:
Ok, I've got a problem:

The electric field in a region of space has the components Ey = Ez = 0 and Ex = (3.91 N/C)x. Point A is on the y-axis at y = 2.83 m, and point B is on the x-axis at x = 3.97 m. What is the potential difference VB - VA?

I have tried integrating E (wrt x) * x from x=0..3.97 . I keep getting 81.5506, and its not the right answer. Anyhelp would be appreciated
Perhaps you could show how you are doing the integration. I am not sure about your expression for [itex]E_x[/itex]. Is the field [itex]\vec{E} = 3.91\hat{x}[/itex] N/C (ie. constant field of 3. 91 N/C in the x direction) or is it: [itex]\vec{E} = 3.91x\hat{x}[/itex] N/C (a linearly increasing field)?

AM
 
  • #4
Thanks guys :)
 
  • #5
Well, tell us how you obtained your answer and answer Andrew's questions.
 

FAQ: Potential Difference b/t 2 points

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

How is potential difference calculated?

Potential difference is calculated by dividing the work done in moving a unit charge from one point to another by the magnitude of the charge. This is represented by the equation V = W/Q, where V is potential difference, W is work, and Q is charge.

What is the unit of measurement for potential difference?

The unit of measurement for potential difference is the volt (V).

How does potential difference affect electric current?

Potential difference is what drives electric current. The higher the potential difference, the greater the force pushing the electric charges to move from one point to another. This results in a larger current.

What factors affect potential difference between two points?

The potential difference between two points is affected by the distance between the points, the amount of charge present, and the nature of the material between the points. It is also affected by external factors such as temperature and pressure.

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