19.2 Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field In the previous section, we explored the relationship between voltage and energy. In this section, we will explore the relationship between voltage and electric field. For example, a uniform electric field E is produced by placing a potential difference (or voltage) AV across two parallel metal plates, labeled A and B. (See Figure 19.5.) Examining this will tell us what voltage is needed to produce a certain electric field strength; it will also reveal a more fundamental relationship between electric potential and electric field. From a physicist's point of view, either AV or E can be used to describe any charge distribution. AV is most closely tied to energy, whereas E is most closely related to force. AV is a scalar quantity and has no direction, while E is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction. (Note that the magnitude of the electric field strength, a scalar quantity, is represented by E below.) The relationship between AV and E is revealed by calculating the work done by the force in moving a charge from point A to point B. But, as noted in Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference, this is complex for arbitrary charge distributions, requiring calculus. We therefore look at a uniform electric field as an interesting special case. AV = VAB B W= qVAB Figure 19.5 The relationship between V and E for parallel conducting plates is E = V/d. (Note that AV = VAB in magnitude. For a charge that is moved from plate A at higher potential to plate B at lower potential, a minus sign needs to be included as follows: -AV = VA - VB = VAB - See the text for details.) ш

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question

Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field
• Describe the relationship between voltage and electric field.
• Derive an expression for the electric potential and electric field.
• Calculate electric field strength given distance and voltage.

19.2 Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field
In the previous section, we explored the relationship between voltage and energy. In this section, we will explore the relationship
between voltage and electric field. For example, a uniform electric field E is produced by placing a potential difference (or
voltage) AV across two parallel metal plates, labeled A and B. (See Figure 19.5.) Examining this will tell us what voltage is
needed to produce a certain electric field strength; it will also reveal a more fundamental relationship between electric potential
and electric field. From a physicist's point of view, either AV or E can be used to describe any charge distribution. AV is
most closely tied to energy, whereas E is most closely related to force. AV is a scalar quantity and has no direction, while E
is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction. (Note that the magnitude of the electric field strength, a scalar quantity,
is represented by E below.) The relationship between AV and E is revealed by calculating the work done by the force in
moving a charge from point A to point B. But, as noted in Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference, this is complex for
arbitrary charge distributions, requiring calculus. We therefore look at a uniform electric field as an interesting special case.
AV = VAB
B W= qVAB
Figure 19.5 The relationship between V and E for parallel conducting plates is E = V/d. (Note that AV = VAB in magnitude. For a charge
that is moved from plate A at higher potential to plate B at lower potential, a minus sign needs to be included as follows:
-AV = VA - VB = VAB - See the text for details.)
ш
Transcribed Image Text:19.2 Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field In the previous section, we explored the relationship between voltage and energy. In this section, we will explore the relationship between voltage and electric field. For example, a uniform electric field E is produced by placing a potential difference (or voltage) AV across two parallel metal plates, labeled A and B. (See Figure 19.5.) Examining this will tell us what voltage is needed to produce a certain electric field strength; it will also reveal a more fundamental relationship between electric potential and electric field. From a physicist's point of view, either AV or E can be used to describe any charge distribution. AV is most closely tied to energy, whereas E is most closely related to force. AV is a scalar quantity and has no direction, while E is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction. (Note that the magnitude of the electric field strength, a scalar quantity, is represented by E below.) The relationship between AV and E is revealed by calculating the work done by the force in moving a charge from point A to point B. But, as noted in Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference, this is complex for arbitrary charge distributions, requiring calculus. We therefore look at a uniform electric field as an interesting special case. AV = VAB B W= qVAB Figure 19.5 The relationship between V and E for parallel conducting plates is E = V/d. (Note that AV = VAB in magnitude. For a charge that is moved from plate A at higher potential to plate B at lower potential, a minus sign needs to be included as follows: -AV = VA - VB = VAB - See the text for details.) ш
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Electric field
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON