Understanding Potential Difference in Terms of Electric Field and Distance

In summary, the question asked why the answer provided by the book for the problem of Δx and ΔE did not match the solution. The answer posted in the paint document correctly calculates ΔV, but the book's solution is incorrect as it uses V/m instead of V for the vertical axis.
  • #1
Miike012
1,009
0
I posted the question and the answer from the book inside the paint document.

My question is why is the answer not...

Δx = 3-1 = 2m
ΔE = 200-0 = 200V/m

ΔV = -(Area under E vs x graph) = -Δx*ΔE/2 = -200 V
 

Attachments

  • Question.jpg
    Question.jpg
    7.3 KB · Views: 364
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Miike012 said:
I posted the question and the answer from the book inside the paint document.

My question is why is the answer not...

Δx = 3-1 = 2m
ΔE = 200-0 = 200V/m

ΔV = -(Area under E vs x graph) = -Δx*ΔE/2 = -200 V
Your answer looks right to me.

What the book has for a solution is bizarre .
 
  • #3
The vertical axis isn't Volts it's V/m (eg the rate of change of V with distance).
 

FAQ: Understanding Potential Difference in Terms of Electric Field and Distance

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and can be thought of as the force that drives the flow of electric current.

How is potential difference calculated?

Potential difference is calculated by dividing the change in electric potential energy (measured in joules, J) by the amount of charge (measured in coulombs, C) that moves through the circuit. This can be represented by the formula V = ΔE/q.

What is the unit of measurement for potential difference?

Potential difference is measured in units of volts (V), which is equivalent to one joule per coulomb (J/C).

How is potential difference related to electric current?

Potential difference is directly related to electric current, as it is the driving force behind the flow of current in a circuit. A higher potential difference will result in a higher current, while a lower potential difference will result in a lower current.

What factors affect potential difference?

The main factors that affect potential difference are the amount of charge (measured in coulombs) and the distance between the two points in the circuit. Other factors such as resistance and the type of material used in the circuit can also affect potential difference.

Back
Top