Given the charges, q1=+10 nC and q2=+10 nC, each were placed at the 2 vertices of a triangle(3 cm each side). What is the magnitude of the total potential at the third corner?

Question

Given the charges, q1=+10 nC and q2=+10 nC, each were placed at the 2 vertices of a triangle(3 cm each side). What is the magnitude of the total potential at the third corner?A. 0

B. 6V

C. 600V

D. 6000V

Answer 1

To calculate voltage (sometimes called potential difference), you use the formula V = (kq)/r

Since you have two charges, you just find the voltage separately for each of those, and add together. Voltage is a scalar quanitity so you can just add like real numbers add. To find the voltage for one charge, calculate it this way:

V = k*(10*10^-9 c)/(0.03 m) = 3000 Volts

Then since there are two identical charges, the same distance away from the point in question - the voltage will actually be 3000*2 or 6000 Volts.