Two-point charges are placed 0.5 meters apart in a vacuum. The first charge is +3×10−6 C and the second charge2 is−2×10−6C. What is the electric potential of charge 1?


To find the electric potential at the location of the first charge due to the second charge, we use the formula for the electric potential \( V \) due to a point charge:

\[
V = \frac{k \cdot q}{r}
\]

where:
- \( k \) is Coulomb's constant (\( k \approx 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2 \)),
- \( q \) is the charge creating the potential,
- \( r \) is the distance between the charges.

Here, the charge creating the potential is the second charge \( q_2 = -2 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{C} \), and the distance between the charges is \( r = 0.5 \, \text{m} \).

Substituting the values:

\[
V_1 = \frac{8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2 \times (-2 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{C})}{0.5 \, \text{m}}
\]

\[
V_1 = \frac{-17.98 \times 10^3 \, \text{N m}/\text{C}}{0.5}
\]

\[
V_1 = -35.96 \times 10^3 \, \text{V}
\]

\[
V_1 = -35,960 \, \text{V}
\]

So, the electric potential at the location of the first charge due to the second charge is \(-35,960 \, \text{V}\).

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

1. What would be the electric potential at the location of the second charge due to the first charge?
2. How does the sign of the second charge affect the potential at the location of the first charge?
3. How would the electric potential change if the distance between the charges was doubled?
4. What is the significance of the electric potential being negative?
5. How would the electric potential differ if both charges were positive?

**Tip:** When dealing with electric potentials, the sign of the charge creating the potential is crucial in determining whether the potential is positive or negative.

Learn how to calculate the electric potential at the location of the first charge due to a nearby point charge of −2×10−6C using Coulomb's Law. This problem involves understanding electric potential and applying Coulomb's Law to determine the potential difference between point charges.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation