Is this diagram wrong? electric potential

In summary, the conversation is discussing the calculation of work done from point i to f using cross sectional force and the inclusion of cosine in the dot product of vectors. They also mention the difference between dot product in vector algebra and basic math.
  • #1
ElectricSenpai
6
0
For the diagram below, is it wrong?
They have calculated the work done from i to f, using the force that is cross sectional to the particle.
Shouldn't the force in the direction of the path be the the force x cos theta.
They have summed the force that is not in the direction of the path?
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 18.13.56.png
    Screen Shot 2016-04-21 at 18.13.56.png
    36.3 KB · Views: 445
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
So the summation should be:i to f INT(Q0. E . Cos theta) ds
 
  • #3
Back to basic math -

dot product of vectors is not same as dot in algebraic multiplication ?

doesn't dot product of vectors include cosine of angle between them?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_product
 
  • Like
Likes CalcNerd
  • #4
Oh yeah thanks.
 
  • #5
Haha -- dot product of vectors = basic math ... only in PF.
 

Related to Is this diagram wrong? electric potential

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electrical potential energy per unit charge. It is a scalar quantity that represents the amount of work needed to move a unit of positive charge from a reference point to a specific point within an electric field.

2. How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential and electric field are related but different concepts. Electric field is a vector quantity that represents the force experienced by a charged particle in an electric field, while electric potential is a scalar quantity that represents the potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field.

3. Is electric potential the same as voltage?

Yes, electric potential is often referred to as voltage. They both measure the same physical quantity, but voltage is typically used in a more practical sense, such as in household electrical circuits, while electric potential is used in a more theoretical sense in physics.

4. How is electric potential calculated?

Electric potential is calculated by dividing the work done in moving a test charge from infinity to a specific point in an electric field by the magnitude of the test charge. This can be represented by the equation V = W/q, where V is electric potential, W is work, and q is the magnitude of the test charge.

5. Can electric potential be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. This indicates that the electric field is doing work on the charged particle, causing it to lose potential energy. In contrast, a positive electric potential indicates that the charged particle is gaining potential energy as it moves in the electric field.

Similar threads

How to make an Electrical Diagram with added Steinmetz Circuit for a Delta 3 phase motor?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
0
Views
296
Gravity Based Electricity Generator
    • Electrical Engineering
3
Replies
74
Views
1K
The Potential of Electric Vehicle Energy Storage: Exploring V2G
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
2K
Wheatstone bridge and conditions for current to flow between 2 points
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
2K
Unconventional wire illustration/diagram.
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
788
I Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
648
How does applying potential affect the energy band diagram for a diode?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
Several questions relating to work, electric potential energy, and potential difference
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
Batteries: Is the current a diffusion current?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Calculate IC equalizer frequencies and gain
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
629

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top