Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 28 - The Electric Potential - Exercises and Problems - Page 837: 65

Answer

See the detailed answer below.

Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ We know that the potential at any point is the superposition of the potentials due to all charges. So the potential at point $\rm p$ due to the two charges is given by $$V_{\rm p}=V_1+V_2$$ $$V_{\rm p}=\dfrac{k_eq}{r}+\dfrac{k_eq}{r}=\dfrac{2k_eq}{r}$$ From the geometry of figure below, $r=\sqrt{x^2+(s/2)^2}$ $$\boxed{V_{\rm p}=\dfrac{2k_eq}{\sqrt{x^2+(s/2)^2}} }$$ $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ The graph of $V$ versus $x$ is shown below. The potential of $2q$ that is at the origin is given by $$V_{\rm 2q}=\dfrac{2k_eq}{x }$$ which is the same case when $x\rightarrow\infty$ of the two charges above, $$V_{\rm p}=\dfrac{2k_eq}{x\sqrt{1+\left(\dfrac{s}{4x}\right)^2}}$$ where $\left(\dfrac{s}{4x}\right)\approx 0$ $$V_{\rm p}=\dfrac{2k_eq}{x }$$ Note that when $x=0$, $V_{\rm p}=\dfrac{k_eq}{s}$ which is the top point of our figure, while $V_{\rm 2q}=\infty$. The dashed curve for $V_{\rm 2q}$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.