Question

Points A, B, and C form the vertices of a triangle in a nonuniform electrostatic field. The electrostatic work done on a particle of charge q as the particle travels from A to B is WAB and that done on the particle as it travels from A to C is WAC=−WAB/3.
a) How much electrostatic work is done on the particle as it travels from B to C?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Let electric potential at A ,B and C be Va , Vb and Vc respectively.

Work done = charge x potential difference

Wab = q ( Va - Vb )

Wac =  q (  Va -  Vc )

Given

Wac = - Wab / 3

3Wac = - Wab

Now

Wbc = q ( Vb - Vc )

= q [ ( Va-Vc ) - ( Va - Vb )]  

= Wac - Wab

= Wac + 3Wac

= 4Wac