Question

Two point charges are on the y-axis. A 3.0 µC charge is located at y = 1.15 cm, and a -2.28 µC charge is located at y = -2.00 cm. (a) Find the total electric potential at the origin. g

Answer 1

Answer:

Total electric potential, $V=1.32\times 10^6\ volts$

Explanation:

It is given that,

First charge, $q_1=3\ \mu C=3\times 10^{-6}\ C$

Second charge, $q_2=-2.28\ \mu C=-2.28\times 10^{-6}\ C$

Distance of first charge from origin, $r_1=1.15\ cm=0.0115\ m$

Distance of second charge from origin, $r_2=2\ cm=0.02\ m$

We need to find the total electric potential at the origin. The electric potential at the origin is given by :

$V=\dfrac{kq_1}{r_1}+\dfrac{kq_2}{r_2}$

$V=k(\dfrac{q_1}{r_1}+\dfrac{q_2}{r_2})$

$V=9\times 10^9(\dfrac{3\times 10^{-6}}{0.0115}+\dfrac{-2.28\times 10^{-6}}{0.02})$

V = 1321826.08 V

or

$V=1.32\times 10^6\ volts$

So, the total electric potential at the origin is $1.32\times 10^6\ volts$. Hence, this is the required solution.