ΔV = -Ed

Definition

The change in electric potential (ΔV) is equal to the negative product of the electric field (E) and the displacement (d) of a charged particle. This relationship is a fundamental principle in the study of electric potential and is crucial for understanding the behavior of electric fields and the movement of charges within them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The negative sign in the equation ΔV = -Ed indicates that the change in electric potential is in the opposite direction of the electric field.
2. The change in electric potential is directly proportional to the electric field and the displacement of the charged particle.
3. ΔV = -Ed is used to calculate the work done in moving a charged particle within an electric field, as the work is equal to the negative of the change in electric potential.
4. This equation is applicable in both uniform and non-uniform electric fields, as long as the electric field and displacement are in the same direction.
5. Understanding the relationship between electric potential, electric field, and displacement is crucial for analyzing the behavior of charges in electric circuits and electromagnetic phenomena.

Review Questions

• Explain how the equation ΔV = -Ed relates to the work done in moving a charged particle within an electric field.
  • The equation ΔV = -Ed is directly related to the work done in moving a charged particle within an electric field. The work done is equal to the negative of the change in electric potential, which is the product of the electric field and the displacement of the charged particle. This relationship allows us to calculate the work required to move a charge from one point to another in an electric field, as the work is equal to the negative of the change in electric potential between those two points.
• Describe the significance of the negative sign in the equation ΔV = -Ed and how it relates to the direction of the electric field and the change in electric potential.
  • The negative sign in the equation ΔV = -Ed indicates that the change in electric potential is in the opposite direction of the electric field. This means that as a charged particle moves in the direction of the electric field, the electric potential decreases, and as the charged particle moves against the direction of the electric field, the electric potential increases. This relationship is crucial for understanding the behavior of charges in electric fields and the direction of the electric force acting on them.
• Analyze how the equation ΔV = -Ed can be used to determine the electric field or the displacement of a charged particle within an electric field, given the other two variables.
  • The equation ΔV = -Ed can be rearranged to solve for the electric field (E) or the displacement (d) of a charged particle, given the other two variables. If the change in electric potential (ΔV) and the electric field (E) are known, the equation can be used to calculate the displacement (d) of the charged particle. Conversely, if the change in electric potential (ΔV) and the displacement (d) are known, the equation can be used to determine the electric field (E) at that location. This versatility of the equation allows for the analysis of various electric field and potential problems in physics.

Related terms

Electric Potential:

The potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. It represents the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge from infinity to that point.

Electric Field:

The vector field that describes the force exerted on a charged particle by the electric force. It is defined as the force per unit charge experienced by a test charge placed at a given point in the field.

Displacement:

The change in position of an object, measured by the vector from the starting point to the ending point.