Electric Potential

Coulombs Law
Q1 r Q2

If either Q1 or Q2 increases the Force increases If either Q1 or Q2 decreases the Force decreases If r, the distance between the two charges, increases the force decreases If r, the distance between the two charges, decreases the force increases Because r appears as 1/r2 the dependence on r is strong

Coulombs Law
Q1 r Q2

Double r. F decreases by a factor of 4 If r -> r/3 F increases by a factor of 9 If r decreases to of its value, F becomes 16 times as large

The Electric Field

The electric field is the force on a small charge, divided by the charge:

Fields play an intermediate role in the force between bodies. We treat fields as a property of space. Charges create fields. Given the field we can calculate the forces on ANY charged objects

Field Lines
The electric field between two closely spaced, oppositely charged parallel plates is constant.

Potential Energy

The presence of charges can give rise to a potential energy (PE)

Potential Energy
We determined the potential energy Uel of a spring by asking how much work we do to compress it. We can determine the potential energy of a charge distribution by how much work we do to bring the charge to its position

Potential of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor

Slide 21-24

Potential Energy
High Gravitational PE. Ball will roll down hill High Electrical Potential Energy Positive charge will move away Positive charge will fall from high potential energy to low PE Negative charge falls from high PE to low PE

Electrostatic Potential Energy

Change in electric potential energy is work done against electric force: PEa PEb = qEd a--Compare Ug b---

Ug = mg (a-b) =mgh

Electric Potential
Just as Electric field depends on space and allows us to compute force on any charge Electric Potential depends on space and allows us to calculate Uelec for any charge.

Electrostatic Potential Energy and Potential Difference

Electric potential is defined as potential energy per unit charge:

U elec V q

U elec qV
Unit of electric potential: the volt (V). 1 V = I J/C.

Ue= qV

Ue= q V Ue(B) = 10 nC * 400V

Electrostatic Potential Energy and Potential Difference

Analogy between gravitational and electrical potential energy:

A
A and B are the same distance from sphere

Which has higher potential energy A, B or C the same?

A
A and B are the same distance from sphere

Which has higher potential energy A, B or C the same?

A
A and B are the same distance from sphere

Which is at a higher potential A,B or C the same?

A
A and B are the same distance from sphere

Which is at a higher potential A,B or C the same?

Electrostatic Potential Energy and Potential Difference

Only changes in potential can be measured, allowing free assignment of V = 0.

Vba = Vb Va = Ue(b) Ue (a)

q

Using potentials instead of fields can make solving problems much easier potential is a scalar quantity, whereas the field is a vector.

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a positive charge moves from point labeled i to f?

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a positive charge moves from point labeled i to f?

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a negative charge moves from point labeled i to f?

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a negative charge moves from point labeled i to f?

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a positive charge moves from point labeled i to f?

+
i f

Is the change in Ue U, A) positive B) negative C) zero as a positive charge moves from point labeled i to f?

+
i f

Conceptual Example Problem

The correct order of electrical potentials from largest to smallest is A) V1>V2>V3 B) V1=V2> V3 C) V1=V2 =V3 D) V3>V2=V1 E) V3>V2>V1

Slide 21-17

Conceptual Example Problem

The correct order of electrical potentials from largest to smallest is A) V1>V2>V3 B) V1=V2> V3 C) V1=V2 =V3 D) V3>V2=V1 E) V3>V2>V1

Slide 21-17

Conceptual Example Problem

The correct order of electrical potentials from largest to smallest is A) V1>V2>V3 B) V1=V2> V3 C) V1=V2 =V3 D) V3>V2=V1 E) V3>V2>V1

Slide 21-17

Conceptual Example Problem

The correct order of electrical potentials from largest to smallest is A) V1>V2>V3 B) V1=V2> V3 C) V1=V2 =V3 D) V3>V2=V1 E) V3>V2>V1

Slide 21-17

Energy Conservation in Electric Potentials

Just as for mechanical systems Energy is conserved. We can change potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa.
Kf + qVf = Ki + qVi Kf Ki = qVi q Vf =-q(Vf Vi) K = -qV

Charged Particle Moving Through a Potential Difference

K = -qV

Slide 21-18

Charged Particle Moving Through a Potential Difference

Be careful! Things are reversed for negative charge. Negative charge speeds up if it moves from region of lower to higher potential: K = -qV

Slide 21-18

The Electron Volt, a Unit of Energy

One electron volt (eV) is the energy gained by an electron moving through a potential difference of one volt.

Slide 21-19

Example Problem
A proton has a speed of 3.5 x 105 m/s at a point where the electrical potential is 600 V. It moves through a point where the electric potential is 1000 V. What is its speed at this second point?

Slide 21-20