Electric Potential

Electrical Potential Energy Electrical Potential Energy ( 𝑷𝑬 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 ): the potential energy associated with a charge due to its position in an electric field. Unit: Joules 𝑃𝐸 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 is a form of mechanical energy Conserved when there is no friction 𝑀𝐸=𝐾𝐸+ 𝑃𝐸 𝑔 + 𝑃𝐸 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 + 𝑃𝐸 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐

Tesla Coil As the charges in the sparks move, the electrical potential energy decreases. Because the electric force causes charge to move, work is done.

Electric Potential (Voltage) Electric Potential is the potential energy per unit of charge Potential Difference is the work done to move a charge from one point to another (the difference in electric potentials) Both are measured in Volts (V) which is a J/C

𝑽= 𝒌𝒒 𝒓 Potential Difference V= Electric Potential [V or 𝐽 𝐶 ] k= Coulomb’s Law Constant [ 𝑁 𝑚 2 𝐶 2 ] q= charge [C] r= distance to the charge [m]

Another equation with potential difference 𝑬= 𝑽 𝒅 E= Electric Field Strength [N/C] V= Potential Difference [V] d= distance [m]

Practice What is the electric potential of a point 0.15 m away from a point charge of -6.3 x 10^-11 C?

Warm-up What is the electric potential created 0.1 meters away from an electron?