Two charged point-like objects are located on the x-axis. The point-like object with charge q1 = 4.60 µC is located at x1 = 1.25 cm and the point-like object with charge q2 = −2.14 µC is located at x2 = −1.80 cm. A) Determine the total electric potential (in V) at the origin.

B) Determine the total electric potential (in V) at the point with coordinates (0, 1.50 cm).

a) the total electric potential is 2282000 V

b) the total electric potential (in V) at the point with coordinates (0, 1.50 cm) is 1330769.23 V

Explanation:

Given the data in the question and as illustrated in the image below;

a) Determine the total electric potential (in V) at the origin.

We know that; electric potential due to multiple charges is equal to sum of electric potentials due to individual charges

so

Electric potential at p in the diagram 1 below is;

Vp = V1 + V2

Vp = kq1/r1 + kq2/r2

we know that; Coulomb constant, k = 9 × 10⁹ C

q1 = 4.60 uC = 4.60 × 10⁻⁶ C

r1 = 1.25 cm = 0.0125 m

q2 = -2.06 uC = -2.06 × 10⁻⁶ C

location x2 = −1.80 cm; so r2 = 1.80 cm = 0.018 m

so we substitute

Vp = ( 9 × 10⁹ × 4.60 × 10⁻⁶/ 0.0125 ) + ( 9 × 10⁹ × -2.06 × 10⁻⁶ / 0.018 )

Vp = (3312000) + ( -1030000 )

Vp = 3312000 -1030000

Vp = 2282000 V

Therefore, the total electric potential is 2282000 V

b)

the total electric potential (in V) at the point with coordinates (0, 1.50 cm).

As illustrated in the second image;

r1² = 0.015² + 0.0125²

r1 = √[ 0.015² + 0.0125² ]

r1 = √0.00038125

r1 = 0.0195

Also

r2² = 0.015² + 0.018²

r2 = √[ 0.015² + 0.018² ]

r2 = √0.000549

r2 = 0.0234

Now, Electric Potential at P in the second image below will be;

Vp = V1 + V2

Vp = kq1/r1 + kq2/r2

we substitute

Vp = ( 9 × 10⁹ × 4.60 × 10⁻⁶/ 0.0195 ) + ( 9 × 10⁹ × -2.06 × 10⁻⁶ / 0.0234 )

Vp = 2123076.923 + ( -762962.962 )

Vp = 2123076.923 -792307.692

Vp =  1330769.23 V

Therefore, the total electric potential (in V) at the point with coordinates (0, 1.50 cm) is 1330769.23 V