• Definition: Electric Potential is the work done to move a positive unit charge from infinity to a certain point.

  • Think of it like dragging a sled up a snowy hill. The higher the hill, the more work you need to do!

• Math Alert🚨

  • To calculate the work required to move a charge q from infinity to a point Work = Ve × q
  • This is the electric potential energy the charge has due to its position in the field.

• Real World Example: Imagine you are hiking up a mountain (the electric field). The higher you go, the more energy you store (potential energy) due to the height you've achieved.

• Equipotential lines are like contours on a map. The closer they are, the steeper (or stronger) the slope (or electric field strength)!
• Key Concept
  • Moving between equipotentials requires the same work.
  • If equipotential lines are closer to each other, the electric field strength is stronger.
• Example: When you're hiking and you see closely spaced contour lines on your map, you know you're in for a steep climb!

Example 14

• The electric field is strongest where the equipotential lines are closest. So, around the base of the 20V equipotential, the field is super strong!

Example 15: a. The potential difference is −350V. It's like moving down 350 stairs! b. Electric field strength along proton's motion = 2.3 kV/m.

Example 16

• The charge on a sphere with a potential of 6.0 kV and radius of 5.0 cm is 3.3×10−83.3×10−8 C.