Question

Consider a uniform horizontal electric field of 50 N/C directed toward the east. If the electric potential at a given point in the field is 80 V, what is the potential at a point 1.0 m directly south of that point

Answer 1

The electric potential remains at 80 V when moving 1.0 m directly south of the initial point because such movement is perpendicular to the direction of the uniform electric field.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves the concept of electric potential difference created by a uniform electric field. Since the electric field is horizontal and directed to the east, moving in the south direction will not affect the potential because the movement is perpendicular to the field lines. Therefore, the electric potential 1.0 m directly south of the initial point remains unchanged at 80 V.

Answer 2

The potential at a point directly south in a uniform electric field would remain at 80 V. The average electric field strength over a certain path is 750 V/m. A net force pointing east from an electric field pointing north is not possible, as the force direction follows the electric field direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an electric field directed east, the potential at a point directly south will remain the same if we consider that the electric field is uniform and hence points in one direction only. Therefore, at a point 1.0 m directly south, the potential would still be 80 V, assuming there's no component of the electric field in the north-south direction.

The magnitude of the average electric field along a path can be found using the formula E = ΔV/Δd, where ΔV is the difference in electric potential, and Δd is the distance over which the potential changes. If the potential changes by 30 V (six isolines each representing 5 V) over a distance of 0.40 m (40 cm), the average electric field is 750 V/m.

Lastly, a net force of 100 N pointing east due to an electric field pointing north on a charged object is not possible, as the direction of the force on a charged particle is always parallel to the direction of the electric field. If the electric field is towards the north, the force would also be towards the north (or south if the charge is negative).