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Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
Exam
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Electric Field and Potential

Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Electric Field and Potential

Which of the following quantities are independent of the choice of...

Which of the following quantities are independent of the choice of zero potential or zero potential energy?

Options

  1. AThe potential energy of a two-charge system
  2. BThe potential difference between two points
  3. CThe potential at a point
  4. DThe change in potential energy of a two-charge system

Correct answer

D. The change in potential energy of a two-charge system

Step-by-step solution

The potential at a point and the potential energy of a system are defined relative to a reference point where the potential or potential energy is taken as zero. Therefore, they depend on the choice of the reference point.

The potential difference between two points is the difference in potential between them, given by ΔV=V2−V1\Delta V = V_2 - V_1. If the reference point is changed, a constant value CC is added to the potential at every point. The new potential difference is (V2+C)−(V1+C)=V2−V1(V_2 + C) - (V_1 + C) = V_2 - V_1. Hence, the potential difference is independent of the choice of zero potential.

Similarly, the change in potential energy of a system is the difference between its final and initial potential energies, given by ΔU=U2−U1\Delta U = U_2 - U_1. Any constant added due to a change in the reference point cancels out. Thus, the change in potential energy is independent of the choice of zero potential energy.
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