Definition of Potential

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question

Directions: Think about the answers to the following three questions. When you think that you know the correct answer, click on your choice. A pop-up box will appear telling you how you did!

If the potential function V is spherically symmetric (that is, the potential depends only on the radial distance R from the center), what would be the best coordinate system to use?


Cartesian
Spherical
Cylindrical


In the previous question, where V is spherically symmetric, the most convenient coordinate system to use is spherical because it gives the simplest expression for the potential. Suppose we have chosen, instead, a different coordinate system - for example, Cartesian. In this system, instead of V(r), we have

Would we still be able to derive the correct electric field in this system?

Yes
No

If you have not yet examined the applications of what you just learned, you may wish to do so. Once you are done, continue on to a discussion of Parallel Plates.


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