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-Potential Energy of Multiple Charges -Finding the Electric Field from the Electric Potential. AP Physics C Mrs. Coyle. The Potential Energy of Point Charges. Consider two point charges, q 1 and q 2 , separated by a distance r. The electric potential energy is
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-Potential Energy of Multiple Charges-Finding the Electric Field from the Electric Potential AP Physics C Mrs. Coyle
The Potential Energy of Point Charges • Consider two point charges, q1 and q2, separated by a distance r. The electric potential energy is • This is the energy of the system, not the energy of just q1 or q2. • Note that the potential energy of two charged particles approaches zero as r
Assume the sphere is a point charge. Apply conservation of energy. Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf Ans: 1.86 x 107 m/s
Potential Energy,U, of Multiple Charges • If the two charges are the same sign, U is positive and work must be done to bring the charges together • If the two charges have opposite signs, U is negative and work is done to keep the charges apart
U with Multiple Charges, final • If there are more than two charges, then find U for each pair of charges and add them • For three charges: • The result is independent of the order of the charges
Finding E From V • Assume, to start, that E has only an x component • Similar statements would apply to the y and z components • Equipotential surfaces must always be perpendicular to the electric field lines passing through them
E and V for an Infinite Sheet of Charge • The equipotential lines are the dashed blue lines • The electric field lines are the brown lines • The equipotential lines are everywhere perpendicular to the field lines
E and V for a Point Charge • The equipotential lines are the dashed blue lines • The electric field lines are the brown lines • The equipotential lines are everywhere perpendicular to the field lines
E and V for a Dipole • The equipotential lines are the dashed blue lines • The electric field lines are the brown lines • The equipotential lines are everywhere perpendicular to the field lines
Equipotential Lines Simulation of Field with Equipotential Lines http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078458137/student_view0/chapter21/electric_fields_applet.html
Electric Field from Potential, General • In general, the electric potential is a function of all three dimensions • Given V (x, y, z) you can find Ex, Ey and Ezas partial derivatives
Why are equipotentials always perpendicular to the electric field lines? • When a test charge has a displacement, ds, along an equipotential surface dV= 0 • dV= -E·ds=0 • So E must be perpendicular to to the displacement along the equipotential surface. • Note that no work is done to move a test charge along an equipotential surface.
Ex 25.4 Electric Potential and Electric Field Due to a Dipole
Ex 25.4 Electric Potential and Electric Field Due to a Dipole • An electric dipole consists of two charges of equal magnitude and opposite sign separated by a distance 2a. The dipole is along the x-axis and is centered at the origin. • a) Calculate the electric potential at P. • b) Calculate V ans Ex at a point far from the dipole. • c)Calculate V and Ex if point P is located anywhere between the two charges.
c)Calculate V and Ex if point P is located anywhere between the two charges.
If point P is located to the left of the negative charge, what would be the potential?
Quick Quiz 25.8 In a certain region of space, the electric potential is zero everywhere along the x axis. From this we can conclude that the x component of the electric field in this region is (a) zero (b) in the x direction (c) in the –x direction.
Quick Quiz 25.8 Answer: (a). If the potential is constant (zero in this case), its derivative along this direction is zero.
Quick Quiz 25.9 Answer: (b). If the electric field is zero, there is no change in the electric potential and it must be constant. This constant value could be zero but does not have to be zero.
Quick Quiz 25.9 In a certain region of space, the electric field is zero. From this we can conclude that the electric potential in this region is (a) zero (b) constant (c) positive (d) negative