Physics SL
Physics SL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme D - Fields
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme D - Fields

Understanding Electric Potential Vs. Electric Field Strength

Word Count Emoji
677 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🎨 Visual Representation: Imagine you're hiking a mountain. Your altitude represents the electric potential, and the steepness of the mountain path represents the electric field strength. If it's a straight hike, you're in a uniform field!

Electric potential & distance relationship

  • Electric potential can be plotted against distance.

  • A straight line graph means the electric field is uniform.
    • Real-world example: Think of a straight escalator. Its inclination (or slope) doesn't change, meaning its 'field' (the push or pull you feel) remains constant!

Defining electric field strength (E)

  • Formula: \( E=\frac{ΔVe}{Δr}​\) where Δ stands for "change in".

Direction matters! 🧭

  • Electric field direction is opposite to the increase in electric potential.
    • Real-world example: Imagine a one-way escalator going downwards. If you were to try and walk up it (opposite to its direction), you'd be moving towards a higher potential!
  • For a positive charge, moving against the field = moving to higher potential = positive potential gain.

Electrons & potential energy 🎢:

  • An electron moving towards a higher potential plate sees a decrease in potential energy.
    • Real-world example: Think of a roller coaster. As it moves down, it gains speed (kinetic energy) by losing height (potential energy).

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IB Resources
Theme D - Fields
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme D - Fields

Understanding Electric Potential Vs. Electric Field Strength

Word Count Emoji
677 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🎨 Visual Representation: Imagine you're hiking a mountain. Your altitude represents the electric potential, and the steepness of the mountain path represents the electric field strength. If it's a straight hike, you're in a uniform field!

Electric potential & distance relationship

  • Electric potential can be plotted against distance.

  • A straight line graph means the electric field is uniform.
    • Real-world example: Think of a straight escalator. Its inclination (or slope) doesn't change, meaning its 'field' (the push or pull you feel) remains constant!

Defining electric field strength (E)

  • Formula: \( E=\frac{ΔVe}{Δr}​\) where Δ stands for "change in".

Direction matters! 🧭

  • Electric field direction is opposite to the increase in electric potential.
    • Real-world example: Imagine a one-way escalator going downwards. If you were to try and walk up it (opposite to its direction), you'd be moving towards a higher potential!
  • For a positive charge, moving against the field = moving to higher potential = positive potential gain.

Electrons & potential energy 🎢:

  • An electron moving towards a higher potential plate sees a decrease in potential energy.
    • Real-world example: Think of a roller coaster. As it moves down, it gains speed (kinetic energy) by losing height (potential energy).

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Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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