Electric Potential -- work due to a non-conducting ring

In summary, the problem involves a charge of q1=-9.8 nC distributed around a thin plastic ring at the origin and a point charge of q2= -8.0 pC located on the x axis at x = 3.4 m. The work needed to move the point charge to the origin is calculated using the equation W= (q1q2)/(4πε) * ( 1/r - 1/ √(r^2 + x^2) ), where r represents the radius of the ring and x represents the distance from the point charge to the origin.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A charge of q1=-9.8 nC is uniformly distributed around a thin plastic ring lying in a yz plane with the ring center at the origin. A q2= -8.0 pC point charge is located on the x axis at x = 3.4 m. For a ring radius of 1.2 m, how much work must an external force do on the point charge to move it to the origin?

Homework Equations


U=W= (q1q2)/(4πεr)

The Attempt at a Solution


it says in the solution that W=ΔU= ( q1q2)/(4πε) * ( 1/r - 1/ √(r^2 + x^2) ) ; can someone please explain where did we get the ( 1/r - 1/ √(r^2 + x^2) ) from?
Thank you !
 
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  • #2
You got it from the solutions...nyuck nyuck nyuck

What do r and x represent?
 

Related to Electric Potential -- work due to a non-conducting ring

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific location in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and is a scalar quantity.

2. How is electric potential calculated?

Electric potential is calculated by dividing the electric potential energy by the charge at a specific location in an electric field. It can also be calculated by multiplying the electric field strength by the distance between the charge and the location.

3. What is the work due to a non-conducting ring?

The work due to a non-conducting ring is the amount of energy needed to move a charge from one point to another in the presence of the electric field created by the ring. This work is equal to the change in electric potential energy of the charge.

4. How does the electric potential from a non-conducting ring differ from that of a conducting ring?

The electric potential from a non-conducting ring is different from that of a conducting ring because non-conducting materials do not allow for the flow of electric charges. In a conducting ring, the charges can redistribute and create a uniform electric field, while in a non-conducting ring the electric field may vary at different points.

5. Can the electric potential due to a non-conducting ring be negative?

Yes, the electric potential due to a non-conducting ring can be negative. This occurs when the electric field is directed towards the ring and the charge moves from a point of higher potential to a point of lower potential. In this case, the work done by the electric field is negative, indicating a decrease in electric potential energy.

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