University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 23 - Electric Potential - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 777: Q23.15

Answer

No, it does not follow.

Work Step by Step

Imagine an isolated positive charge. Point A, which is closer to it, is at higher potential than point B that is farther away. Supposedly that makes point A at positive potential and point B at negative potential. However, neither point is “charged” at all. By choosing a different comparison point, “A” could even become negative or “B” could become positive. In summary, we do not associate a particular sign of charge with whether a point is at higher or lower electric potential than some other point.
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