The absolute potential at a distance of 2.0 m from a negative point charge is -100. V. What is the absolute potential 4.0 m away from the same point charge?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential $V$ due to a point charge $q$ at a distance $r$ is given by $V = k \frac{q}{r}$, where $k$ is Coulomb's constant. When the distance is doubled from 2.0 m to 4.0 m, the potential is halved because $r$ is in the denominator. Therefore, if the potential at 2.0 m is -100 V, at 4.0 m, it would be $-100 V / 2 = -50 V$.

The Absolute Potential at a Distance of 2