Question Detail

PHY 102 Coulomb's law and Electric Fields Objective Question
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Question

How does the superposition principle apply to the absolute potential at a point due to a number of point charges?
Options
A It is the vector sum of the potentials due to individual charges.
B It is the algebraic product of the potentials due to individual charges.
C It is the algebraic sum of the potentials due to individual charges.
Correct Answer
D It is the geometric mean of the potentials due to individual charges.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The text states: 'Because of the superposition principle and the scalar nature of potential difference, the absolute potential at a point due to a number of point charges is V = k₀ Σ qᵢ/rᵢ' (Page 11, Equation 25.3). This implies an algebraic sum.

Hint

Remember that potential difference is a scalar quantity, unlike electric field which is a vector.

Question Info

Course: PHY 102
Topic: Coulomb's law and Electric Fields
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 878 of 1819
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