What is the electric potential 3.0 cm away from a $-12\text{nC}$ point charge?

• A. $-1200\mathrm{V}$
• B. $-600\mathrm{V}$
• C. $600\mathrm{V}$
• D. $1200\mathrm{V}$
• E. $3600\mathrm{V}$
• F. $-3600\mathrm{V}$

Answer: (F)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the electric potential V due to a point charge is given by the formula: V = (k * q) / r, where k is Coulomb's constant (approximately 8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²), q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.
2. Identify the given values: the charge q is -12 nC (which is -12 x 10^-9 C) and the distance r is 3.0 cm (which is 0.03 m).
3. Substitute the known values into the formula: V = (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C² * -12 x 10^-9 C) / 0.03 m.
4. Simplify the expression by multiplying the constants and dividing by the distance to find the electric potential V.
5. Remember that the sign of the charge affects the sign of the potential, so the result will be negative, indicating the potential is lower than the reference point at infinity.