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Example: Electric Potential from a Negative Point Charge
Suppose we have a negative point charge with charge −Q. What is the electric potential at a point P, which is a distance R from the point charge?
Facts
- The charge with value −Q is a point charge.
- The point P is a distance R away from the point charge.
Lacking
- The electric potential at P.
Approximations & Assumptions
- The electric potential at P is due entirely to the point charge.
- The electric potential infinitely far away from the point charge is 0 V.
Representations
- The electric potential from the point charge can be written as V=14πϵ0qr,where q represents our charge (−Q) and r is our distance (R).
Solution
The electric potential at P is given by V=14πϵ0qr=14πϵ0(−Q)R=−14πϵ0QR