Topic 10.5 Electric Potential

Front

What does electric potential describe?

Back

Electric potential describes the electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in space.

Front

How can the electric potential due to multiple point charges be determined?

Back

By the principle of scalar superposition of the electric potential due to each of the point charges.

Front

What is the electric potential difference between two points?

Back

The change in electric potential energy per unit charge when a test charge is moved between the two points.

Front

How can electric potential difference result from chemical processes?

Back

It may result from chemical processes that cause positive and negative charges to separate, such as in a battery.

Front

What happens when conductors are in electrical contact?

Back

Electrons will be redistributed such that the surfaces of the conductors are at the same electric potential.

Front

What is the average electric field between two points in space?

Back

It is equal to the electric potential difference between the two points divided by the distance between the two points.

Front

What are electric field vector maps and equipotential lines used for?

Back

They are tools to describe the field produced by a charge or configuration of charges and can be used to predict the motion of charged objects in the field.

Front

What do equipotential lines represent?

Back

Lines of equal electric potential in space, also referred to as isolines of electric potential.

Front

How are isolines related to electric field vectors?

Back

Isolines are perpendicular to electric field vectors.

Front

What direction does an electric field vector point?

Back

In the direction of decreasing potential.