A uniform field of 2.0 N C ⁻¹ exists in space in the x -direction. Determine the potential at the origin if the potential at infinity is taken to be zero, and state whether this choice is practical.

Step-by-step solution

The electric field is given as E = 2.0 i N C ⁻¹ . The potential difference between the origin and infinity is given by the relation: V(0) - V( ) = - _ ⁰ E d r Given V( ) = 0 , we have: V(0) - 0 = - _ ⁰ 2.0 dx V(0) = ₀^ 2.0 dx = [2.0 x]₀^ = Since the calculated potential at the origin is infinite, choosing the potential at infinity to be zero is not practical for a uniform electric field.