Problem Solving Guide

Algorithm

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Misconceptions & Mistakes

 
  • The electric potential from a point charge is proportional to $\frac{1}{r}$, not $\frac{1}{r^2}$.

Pro Tips

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Multiple Representations

Multiple Representations is the concept that a physical phenomena can be expressed in different ways. 

Physical

Physical Representations describes the physical phenomena of the situation in a visual way.

 

Mathematical

Mathematical Representation uses equation(s) to describe and analyze the situation.

A representation with the words electric potential energy on the top. There is an equation that shows that the change in potential energy of the system is equal to the test charge q naught multiplied by the change in electric potential. This is also written in words below.

 

A representation with the words electric potential from a point charge on the top. There is an equation that shows that the electric potential of a point charge q is equal to the Coulomb’s constant multiplied by the point charge divided by the distance from the point charge to the location of interest. This is also written in words below.

 

A representation with the words electric potential for a charge distribution on the top. There is an equation that shows that the total electric potential field from a group of charges is equal to the contribution from each individual particle at the location of interest. This is also written in words below.

 

A representation with the words total potential energy on the top. There is an equation that shows that the total potential energy of a system is equal to the summation of all unique combinations of individual charges. This is also written in words below with a note that says do not double count potential energy contributions.

Graphical

Graphical Representation describes the situation through use of plots and graphs.

 

Descriptive

Descriptive Representation describes the physical phenomena with words and annotations.

 

Experimental

Experimental Representation examines a physical phenomena through observations and data measurement.

 

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