For a negative point charge, what is the sign of the potential difference $V_B - V_A$ if point A is

Question

For a negative point charge, what is the sign of the potential difference $V_B - V_A$ if point A is closer to the charge than point B?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

For a negative point charge, potential $V = -k\frac{|q|}{r}$. Since $r_A < r_B$, $V_A$ is more negative than $V_B$ (i.e., $V_B > V_A$). Therefore, $V_B - V_A$ is positive.