A point charge is fixed at the origin

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Problem

A point charge

+5\,\mu\text{C}

is fixed at the origin. Point

P

is on the

x

-axis at

0.40\,\text{m}

, and point

Q

is on the

x

-axis at

0.20\,\text{m}

. Use

k=9\times10^{9}\,\text{N m}^2\text{C}^{-2}

. (i) Find the potential difference

V_Q - V_P

due to the source charge. (ii) Calculate the work done by an external agent in moving (a) a

+1\,\mu\text{C}

charge, (b) a

-1\,\mu\text{C}

charge from

P

Q

. (iii) Is the work obtained in part (ii) dependent on the path taken between

P

and

Q

? Give a brief reason.