Question

Consider a collection of charges in a given region and suppose all other charges are distant and have a negligible effect. Further, the electric potential is taken to be zero at infinity. If the electric potential at a given point in the region is zero, which of the following statements must be true?
A. The electric field is zero at that point.
B. The charges have the same sign and are symmetrically arranged around the given point.
C. The electric potential energy is a minimum at that point.
D. There is no net charge in the region.
E. Some charges in the region are positive, and some are negative.

Answer 1

Answer:

E. Some charges in the region are positive, and some are negative.

Explanation:

Electric potential is given as;

$V = \frac{W}{Q}$

where;

W is the work done in moving a charge between two points which have a difference in potential

Q is quantity of charge in the given region

If the electric potential at a given point in the region is zero, then sum of the charges in the given region must be equal to zero. For the charges to sum to zero, some will be positive while some will be negative,.

Therefore, the correct statement in the given options is "E"

E. Some charges in the region are positive, and some are negative.