Electric Potential VINTRODUCTIONThere is only one fundamental law on electricity --- either Coulomb’s law or Gauss’ law. The other three fundamental laws of E&M are either about magnetism or about interplays between electricity and magnetism.Coulomb’s Law Gauss’ LawWhy a new, “non-fundamental” quantity V? E i.e., FV i.e., U (energy)1. Allows direct calculation of energy and power.2. Often, calculating V first and then E is easier than directly calculating E.3. Very useful in understanding and designing electric circuits.PLAN1. Definition of V in terms of U.2. Calculating V from E.3. Electric potential V due to a point charge and a group of point charges.Definition of V in terms of UQ1: Which state has a higher electric potential energy U?Q2: Is the work done by “you” positive or negative?Q3: Is the work done by the electrostatic force F(or the electric field E) positive or negative? q2q3qA system of charged particlesInitial stateFinal
View Full Document
Unlocking...