A negative point charge q1 = -4.0 nC is at the origin and a point charge q2 = +6.0 nC is on the
+x-axis at +0.40m. Point A is at -0.20m and point B is at -0.50m on the x axis. What is the potential difference Va-Vb? Which point is at a higher potential, A or B?
Note: for the first part of the problem I had to find the Electric field for point A and B.
Ea=749 N/C +x
Eb=77.3 N/C +x
I'm not sure what equation to use to find the potential difference.
+x-axis at +0.40m. Point A is at -0.20m and point B is at -0.50m on the x axis. What is the potential difference Va-Vb? Which point is at a higher potential, A or B?
Note: for the first part of the problem I had to find the Electric field for point A and B.
Ea=749 N/C +x
Eb=77.3 N/C +x
I'm not sure what equation to use to find the potential difference.
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Work out the potential from each charge at each point by simple addition of potentials. Then subtract potential at B from the potential A
Potential at A from q1 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (-4.0x10^-9) / 0.2 = -180V
Potential at A from q2 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (+6.0x10^-9) / 0.6 = +90V
Total potential at A, Va = -180+90 = -90V
Potential at B from q1 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (-4.0x10^-9) / 0.5 = -72V
Potential at B from q2 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (+6.0x10^-9) / 0.9 = 60V
Total potential at B, Vb = -72+60 = -12V
Va - Vb = -90 - (-12) = -78V
B is at the higher potential because -12V is 'less negative' than -90V ('less negative is equivalent to being 'more positive')
Potential at A from q1 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (-4.0x10^-9) / 0.2 = -180V
Potential at A from q2 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (+6.0x10^-9) / 0.6 = +90V
Total potential at A, Va = -180+90 = -90V
Potential at B from q1 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (-4.0x10^-9) / 0.5 = -72V
Potential at B from q2 = kq/r = 9x10^9 x (+6.0x10^-9) / 0.9 = 60V
Total potential at B, Vb = -72+60 = -12V
Va - Vb = -90 - (-12) = -78V
B is at the higher potential because -12V is 'less negative' than -90V ('less negative is equivalent to being 'more positive')