Advanced Higher Physics Electric Potential Electric Potential 1
- Slides: 12
Advanced Higher Physics Electric Potential
Electric Potential 1 l V = work done / q (measured in J C-1) l Defined as ‘the work done per unit positive charge in moving a charge from infinity to a point in an electrical field’ l Gives the definition of the volt one volt (1 V) = one joule per coulomb (1 JC-1)
Electric Potential 2 l The potential difference (p. d. ) between two points A and B is the work done per unit charge in moving between points A and B. d B A ( also, * This is only true for a UNIFORM field. )
Electric Potential 3 l Law of conservation of energy tells us that work done in moving charge from point A to point B is independent of the route taken. If the p. d. between A and B is V, the same amount of work must be done in moving a unit of charge from A to B, whatever path is taken. l This is because the electric field is a conservative field. l
Electric Potential 4 l From the equation E = V / d we can see that electrical field strength, E, can be expressed volts per metre, V m-1 l E can be thought of as a ‘potential gradient’ l In a non-uniform field,
Electric Potential 5 l using r to represent distance, l But, we already know that - l Combining these gives -
Electric Potential 6 l Integrating as shown, we get
Electric Potential 7 l NB - be careful with the sign of the potential. l In moving a positive charge from infinity to r, the charge will have gained potential energy, as work has to be done on the charge against the electric field.
Electric Potential 8 l So if we have defined the potential to be zero at infinity, the potential V must be positive for all r less than infinity. Thus the potential at r is given by -
Electric Potential 9 l Unlike the electric field, the electric potential around a point charge decays as 1 / r , not 1 / r 2. l The potential is a scalar quantity, not a vector quantity, although its sign is determined by the sign of the charge Q.
Electric Potential 10 l The field strength and potential around a positive point charge are plotted below
Electric Potential 11 l We can plot the equipotential lines (connecting points of the same potential) around a point charge, as shown below The equipotentials form a set of concentric spheres around the charge l Note that the equipotentials cut the electric field lines at right angles. There is no work done in moving a charged particle along an equipotential. l
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