A negative source charge of magnitude -1nC is situated at x = -0.5m and a postiv

Question

A negative source charge of magnitude -1nC is situated at x = -0.5m and a postive source charge of magnitude +1nC is situated at x = +0.5m. I am asked to calculate the magntitude of the electric potential due to the postive source charge at x = -5m and the electric potential of the dipole at -5m.

I am slightly confused as to what to use for the r-value. Would it just be the x-value, or would it be x+0.5m since the positive source charge is 5.5m away from x = -5m.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Explanation / Answer

From the positive charge

V = kq/r

V = (9 X 109)(1 x 10-9)/(5.5)

V = 1.64 V

From the dipole

V = kq/r + kq/r

V = 1.64 + (9 X 109)(-1 X 10-9)/(4.5)

V = -.364 V (Your key may just want the absolute value, so ignore the negative if needed)

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