wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
6
You visited us 6 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

We know that it is the electrons that move, so how is the potential defined as the work done to bring a POSITIVE CHARGE from infinity to a point?

Open in App
Solution

See, infinity is the place that is considered to have no charges, and is at 0 potential all the time.

So, potential at a point in an electric field is defined as work done in bringing an unit positive charge from infinite distance to that point. Actually, we are measuring the potential difference between infinity and the required point. But we've named it potential of the point as it is with reference point infinity.

Basically, infinity is considered as a reference place that is fixed. If other points are considered, then one has to define the other point first and the potential at that point to find the potential at a new point.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge and System of Charges
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon