Chapter 16: Problem 30
The electric potential \(V\) at any point \((x, y, z)\) (all in metres) in space is given by \(V=4 x^{2}\) volt. The electric field at the point \((1 \mathrm{~m}, 0,2 \mathrm{~m})\) in volt/metre is (a) 8 along negative \(x\) -axis (b) 8 along positive \(x\) -axis (c) 16 along negative \(x\) -axis (d) 16 along positive \(x\) -axis
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Electric Field and Potential Relationship
Compute the Gradient of V
Calculate the Electric Field Vector
Evaluate the Electric Field at the Given Point
Determine the Direction of the Electric Field
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Electric Potential
- Units: The electric potential is measured in volts.
- Link to energy: It is essentially the potential energy per unit charge.
- Scalar Quantity: Unlike vectors, it does not have direction.
Gradient
- \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial x} = 8x \): Indicates how \( V \) changes along the \( x \)-axis.
- \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial y} = 0 \)
- \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial z} = 0 \)
Partial Derivatives
- \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial x} = 8x \): This derivative tells us how \( V \) changes with \( x \) and is crucial for finding \( abla V \).
- \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial y} = 0 \) and \( \frac{\partial V}{\partial z} = 0 \): Since our potential does not change with \( y \) or \( z \), these derivatives are zero.
Electric Field Vector
- Magnitude: In this scenario, when evaluated at \( (1, 0, 2) \), \( \mathbf{E} = -8 \hat{i} \).
- Direction: Points along the negative \( x \)-axis because of the negative sign.