What is the electric potential?

In summary, we need to find the electric potential at points a and b for charges of +3.5 nC and -7.6 nC, respectively. We also need to find the potential difference between points a and b, as well as the work done by an external agent to move a point charge of +1.50 nC from a to b. The correct equation for electric potential is V = kQ/r.
  • #1
Ammora
17
0

Homework Statement



Consider the following figure.

image: http://www.webassign.net/grr/p17-18.gif"

(a) Find the electric potential at points a and b for charges of +3.5 nC and -7.6 nC located as shown in the figure.
Va= _____ V
Vb= _____ V


(b) What is the potential difference ΔV for a trip from a to b?
_____ V

(c) How much work must be done by an external agent to move a point charge of +1.50 nC from a to b?
_____ J


Homework Equations



v=Er?
U=kQ/r

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried multiplying the distance by the charge, which was wrong. Then I tried taking (1/4 pie epsilon not) (charge/r) which was wrong. I don't know what to do, can you please help?
 
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  • #2
Your U=kQ/r is not correct! Check the units.
It should read V = kQ/r.
The electric potential due to a charge Q at distance r is kQ/r.
 

FAQ: What is the electric potential?

What is the electric potential?

The electric potential is a measure of the potential energy that a charged particle possesses due to its position in an electric field. It is also known as voltage and is measured in volts (V).

How is electric potential different from electric field?

The electric potential at a point is the potential energy per unit charge at that point, while the electric field is the force per unit charge at that point. In other words, the electric potential is a scalar quantity, while the electric field is a vector quantity.

What is the equation for electric potential?

The equation for electric potential is V= kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the particle, and r is the distance between the particle and the point where the electric potential is being measured.

How is electric potential measured?

Electric potential is measured using a voltmeter, which measures the potential difference between two points in an electric field.

What is the relationship between electric potential and electric potential energy?

Electric potential energy is the potential energy that a charged particle possesses due to its position in an electric field. It is directly proportional to the electric potential, with the equation U=qV, where U is the electric potential energy, q is the charge of the particle, and V is the electric potential.

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