Question

Find electric potential of point P
​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Remember that potential difference (the voltage) is basically a potential energy divided by a charge q. Therefore, everything we did for the electric PE of charge q due to the presence of several other charges Q is immediately applicable here and now.

Since PE is a scalar, V is also a scalar.

With these charges already in place, what is the electric potential at some point -- some region of space -- we might label P?

Voltage, like PE, is a scalar, so we need only add the potentials (or potential differences or voltages) due to each of these charges. That is,

That's all there is to it!

However, let's continue with a numerical example.

What is the electric potential -- the voltage -- at point P? What is the electric potential at point P because the charges Q's are there?

Find the potential at point P for each charge Q; then add up the sum (ordinary, scalar addition).

Remember, voltage, like PE, is a scalar, so we need only add the potentials (or potential differences or voltages) due to each of these charges in an ordinary, common, scalar equation.

Electric Potential Surrounding a Point Charge

Capacitors

Return to Ch 18, Electric Potential and Capacitors

(c) Doug Davis, 2002; all rights