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Electricity and Magnetism

The Relation between Potential Difference and Electric Field Strength

For mathematical simplicity, we will consider a uniform field.

Consider moving a positive charge, Q, from point A to point B.

Let the magnitude of the potential difference between points A and B be Dv.

In moving a positive charge from A to B work is done by the field so the potential at B is less than the potential at A.

We will therefore represent the potential difference between A and B as -Dv.

Work done in moving the charge is w = FDx

Work done per unit charge is potential difference, -Dv and

force per unit charge is electric field strength.

Therefore, the relation between potential difference and field strength is found by dividing the above equation by Q. After rearranging, we have

If the potential difference across two parallel plates is v, we can calculate the strength of the electric field between the plates. Imagine moving the charge from the positive plate to the negative plate. In this case Dx = d the distance between the plates. Therefore

For mathematical simplicity, we will consider a uniform field.

Consider moving a positive charge, Q, from point A to point B.

Let the magnitude of the potential difference between points A and B be Dv.

In moving a positive charge from A to B work is done by the field so the potential at B is less than the potential at A.

We will therefore represent the potential difference between A and B as -Dv.

Work done in moving the charge is w = FDx

Work done per unit charge is potential difference, -Dv and

force per unit charge is electric field strength.

Therefore, the relation between potential difference and field strength is found by dividing the above equation by Q. After rearranging, we have

If the potential difference across two parallel plates is v, we can calculate the strength of the electric field between the plates. Imagine moving the charge from the positive plate to the negative plate. In this case Dx = d the distance between the plates. Therefore

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© David Hoult 2009