Two protons are maintained at a separation of 943 nm. Calculate the electric potential due to the two particles at the midpoint between them. Then, find the magnitude and direction of the electric fie

Question

Two protons are maintained at a separation of 943 nm. Calculate the electric potential due to the two particles at the midpoint between them. Then, find the magnitude and direction of the electric field there.

Answer 1

V = k Q / r

Electric potential is a scalar.

Two protons: V = k e / r + k e / r = 2 ke/r

e= proton charge = 1.6 x 10^-19

r=943/2 x 10^-9

E = 0 because electric field is vector, which points away from + charges. The two protons will create electric fields with same magnitude and opposite direction.