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Suppose there are two points A and B that are having equal potential V. Can we move a charged particle between these two points without doing any work on it? By this can we assert that without applying any force the charged particle can be moved between points A and B? |
| Answer» Solution :Yes, the work done to MOVE a charged particle between points A and B is zero. But we cannot conclude that the charged particle was moved WITHOUT exerting any force on it. To understand this, let us suppose we take an object and LIFT it up from one point and finally bring it to another point that is at a same height as the previous one. In this case, the work done on the object is zero, but certainly the force exerted on the object against gravity. Similarly, force may be exerted on the charged particle in order to overcome electric fields between points A and B, but the net work done is zero (as the net work in a CONSERVATIVE field depends only on INITIAL and final positions). | |