A2L Item 171

Goal: Reason with electrical potential

Source: 283-470 Lowest voltage at origin

Which of the following charge distributions has the lowest electric
potential at the origin?


Commentary:

Answer

(5) This question serves to motivate a discussion of the
difference between potential energy in a configuration and the
electrostatic potential at a point. It is also important to stress that
potential when point charges are involved presumes that infinity is the
reference point.