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If the voltage between two points is zero, can a test charge be moved between them with zero net work being done? Can this necessarily be done without exerting a force? Explain.

a) Yes, work is zero, and no force is required.

b) No, work is zero, but a force is required.

c) Yes, work is non-zero, and a force is required.

d) No, work is non-zero, but no force is required.

User Ke
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Final answer:

The voltage being zero between two points means no net electrical work is done in moving a test charge between them, but a force may still be required to overcome other forces such as friction or air resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the voltage between two points is zero, it implies that there is no potential difference between those points. Recall that voltage is a measure of potential difference, and the potential difference between points is related to the work done in moving a test charge between those points. Since the voltage is zero, the electric potential energy of the test charge remains constant while moving between these points, and thus, the net work done on the charge is zero as there is no change in potential energy.

However, the fact that net work done is zero does not necessarily mean that no force is exerted. In some cases, other forces, such as friction or air resistance, may need to be overcome when moving the test charge. Therefore, while the electrical work done is zero, there may still be a force that must be applied to move the test charge against these other forces. Therefore, the correct answer is b) No, work is zero, but a force is required.

User Jeong
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