Energy of a charge in an electric field. Potential and potential difference, the potential of a point charge, a dipole and a group of charges, equipotential surfaces and how they relate to the field.
3 lessons, about 1 h 55 min3 simulations11 problems6 practice questionsPython in every lesson
Created by StemPy LabMoving a charge against an electric field takes work, and the work is stored as potential energy. The potential difference between two points is that work for each unit of charge, , measured in volt. Between two plates . A charge that falls through a potential difference gains the kinetic energy .
A point charge gives the potential , with . Potentials are scalars, so the potential of many charges is a plain sum. A dipole gives far away. Two charges have the energy , and a dipole in a field has .
An equipotential surface has the same potential at every point, so no work is done in moving a charge along it. The field is always perpendicular to such a surface and points towards lower potential. The component of the field along any direction is . Where the surfaces are close together, the field is strong.
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