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Multiple Choice
A −1μC and a 5μC charge lie on a line, separated by 5cm. What is the electric potential halfway between the two charges?
A
1.44×104 V
B
7.19×105 V
C
1.44×106 V
D
2.16×106 V
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges and their positions: The charges are -1μC and 5μC, separated by 5 cm. The point of interest is halfway between them, which is 2.5 cm from each charge.
Recall the formula for electric potential due to a point charge: The electric potential V at a distance r from a point charge Q is given by V = (k * Q) / r, where k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 × 10^9 N m²/C²).
Calculate the potential due to the -1μC charge: Use the formula V = (k * Q) / r with Q = -1μC and r = 2.5 cm (converted to meters).
Calculate the potential due to the 5μC charge: Again, use the formula V = (k * Q) / r with Q = 5μC and r = 2.5 cm (converted to meters).
Add the potentials from both charges: Since electric potential is a scalar quantity, sum the potentials from the -1μC and 5μC charges to find the total electric potential at the midpoint.