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phosgene
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Homework Statement
Two point charges of magnitude +10 μC each are placed 0.2 m away from each other.
a) How much work is done in placing the second charge?
b) Is there any point at which the electric field and electric potential are both 0?
Homework Equations
Work = (charge of first point charge)(ΔV of second charge)
E=kQ/(d^2), where E = electric field, k = proportionality constant, Q = charge of point charge, d = distance from point charge
V=kQ/r, where V = voltage, Q = charge and r = distance from charge
V=Ed, where V = voltage, E = electric field and d = distance from point charge
The Attempt at a Solution
a) I assumed that the point charge was being moved from a spot far enough so that it could be approximated by being moved there from an effectively infinite distance away. Then the work done can be determined as follows:
Work = 10 μC(kQ/r2 - kQ/r1), where r2 = 0.2m and r1 = infinity
These simplifies to Work = (10 μC)(k10μC)/0.2m
b) I said that at a point very far away the electric field and electric potential will be 0. This is because E=kQ/(r^2) at a very far away point will effectively be E=kQ/(infinity), which is approximately 0. As the potential difference is equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance, it too will effectively be 0 at that same far away point.
Is my reasoning correct?? I don't really get voltage, potential difference and electrical potential energy.
EDIT: Sorry! I forgot to put a title! It should be 'Work done moving two charges together and possible point of zero electric field and electric potential'. But I can't edit a title in.