Radial Electric Field Conceptual

In summary, the conversation discusses a plot of electric field versus distance and asks questions about the behavior of the field and its relationship to electric potential. The answers to the questions are: True, True, False, False, False, and True. The concept of electric potential and work done against an electric field are also mentioned, with the hint that the electric field is the negative spatial derivative of the potential.
  • #1
Btraquai
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Homework Statement


Carefully study the following plot of electric field E in N/C versus distance r in m and answer the questions that follow. The electric field is directed radially outward, and the variation of E with r is independent of direction. [/b]
Efield.jpg

For each statement, select "True" or "False".[/b]
The work done by you to bring a point negative charge from infinity to A is positive.[/b]
The Electric field falls off as 1/r for r greater than R.[/b]
The force on a negative charge placed at A points radially towards the origin.[/b]
All points at a given distance 'd' from the origin are at the same electrostatic potential.[/b]
The above electric field could be that due to a negatively charged spherical shell.[/b]
The electric potential is constant for r less than R. [/b]

Homework Equations


Va-Vb=∫Edl
E=Kq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


First i figured that since the electric field is point outward the the charge must be positive to accelerate positive charges outward.[/b]
Therefore the work to bring a negative charge from infinity to the origin would be positive the force is "pulling the negative charge in towards the origin.[/b]
It sure looks like the graph has a 1/r curve after r > R.[/b]
If the electric field points outward then a negative charge would accelerate inward. therefore the force on the negative charge is inward.[/b]
I thought about the equi-potential line at 'd' the voltage should be the same at any point at the same distance away from the charge.[/b]
The electric field could not be due to a negative charge, If it were the E-Field would point in instead of out.[/b]
Since electric field is the derivative of Electric Potential and the E-Field is zero for the given range the potential must be constant.

Where am i going astray here? I was given the hint: "Remember that the Electric Field is the negative spatial derivative of the potential. Look up the definition of electric potential and work done against an electric field. "
 
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  • #2
But i'm still not getting it. I'm having a hard time understanding the concept of electric potential and work done against an electric field, can someone explain this to me in simple terms? The answers are:TrueTrueFalseFalseFalseTrue
 

FAQ: Radial Electric Field Conceptual

1. What is the radial electric field concept?

The radial electric field concept is a concept in physics that describes the electric field produced by a charged particle at a given point in space. It is a vector field that points away from a positively charged particle and towards a negatively charged particle.

2. How is the radial electric field related to Coulomb's law?

The radial electric field is directly related to Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The direction of the radial electric field is determined by the relative positions and charges of the particles involved.

3. What is the significance of the radial electric field concept in electromagnetism?

The radial electric field concept is significant in electromagnetism because it helps to explain the behavior of charged particles and the forces acting on them. It is also essential in understanding the behavior of electric fields in various systems, such as in capacitors and in the design of electrical circuits.

4. How is the radial electric field different from a uniform electric field?

A radial electric field is a non-uniform field, meaning that its strength and direction vary depending on the position in space. In contrast, a uniform electric field has the same strength and direction at all points in space. Additionally, a radial electric field is produced by a single charged particle, while a uniform electric field is typically created by parallel plates with opposite charges.

5. What factors affect the strength of the radial electric field?

The strength of the radial electric field is affected by several factors, including the magnitude of the charge of the particle producing the field, the distance from the particle, and the medium in which the particles are located. It is also influenced by other nearby charges and external electric fields.

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