Electric Potential of Charges on a Square – Rankers Physics

Electric Potential: Practice Problem & Solution

Four electric charges of \(8\ mu\text{C}\), \(5\ mu\text{C}\), \(-3\ mu\text{C}\), \(-10\ mu\text{C}\) are placed at the corners of a square of side \(\sqrt{2}\text{ m}\). The potential at the centre of the square is
\(9 \times 10^3 V\)
Zero
\(1.8 \times 10^3 V\)
\(2.7 \times 10^3 V\)

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Electric Potential. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

The total electric potential at the centre is \(V = \sum \frac{kq_i}{r}\). Since the distance \(r\) from each corner to the centre is equal and the sum of charges \(\sum q_i = 8 + 5 - 3 - 10 = 0\), the net potential is zero.

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