Electric Field as potential gradient

Thread starter sep1231
Start date Jan 13, 2021
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Electric Electric field Field Gradient Potential

In summary, an electric field as a potential gradient is a measure of the change in electric potential energy per unit distance in an electric field. It is calculated by dividing the change in electric potential (ΔV) by the distance between two points (Δx), and its units are volts per meter (V/m) or newtons per coulomb (N/C). This concept affects the movement of charged particles by exerting a force on them, and has various real-life applications such as in particle accelerators, electronic motors and generators, and understanding lightning behavior.

Jan 13, 2021

sep1231

Homework Statement: In the figure (attached), the lines represent equipotential lines. A positive point charge is placed at point P, and another positive point charge is placed at Q. Which set of vectors represent the relative magnitudes and directions of the electric field exerted on the positive charges at P and Q?
a) Equal fields directed from P to Q
b) Field in P greater than in Q, directed from Q to P
c) Field in P smaller than in Q, directed from Q to P
d) Field in P greater than in Q, directed from P to Q
e) Field in P smaller than in Q, directed from P to Q

Relevant Equations: E = -V/d

I know that the electric field is directed from Q to P, but I'm not sure which magnitud is greater, I tried this

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Jan 13, 2021

Gordianus

And the electric field at P and Q points toward...?

Jan 13, 2021

haruspex

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How are you defining r_P and r_Q?

1. What is an electric field as potential gradient?

An electric field as potential gradient is a concept in physics that describes the relationship between the strength of an electric field and the potential difference between two points in that field. It is a measure of how much energy is required to move a unit of charge from one point to another in an electric field.

2. How is the electric field as potential gradient calculated?

The electric field as potential gradient is calculated by dividing the potential difference (in volts) by the distance between the two points (in meters). This is represented by the equation E = V/d, where E is the electric field strength, V is the potential difference, and d is the distance between the points.

3. What is the unit of measurement for electric field as potential gradient?

The unit of measurement for electric field as potential gradient is volts per meter (V/m). This unit represents the amount of potential difference (in volts) per unit distance (in meters) between two points in an electric field.

4. How does electric field as potential gradient affect the movement of charges?

The strength of the electric field as potential gradient determines the force experienced by a charged particle. The higher the gradient, the stronger the force and the faster the charged particle will move. In other words, the more steeply the potential changes, the more quickly the charges will accelerate.

5. What are some real-world applications of electric field as potential gradient?

Electric field as potential gradient is used in a wide range of applications, including electric motors, generators, and capacitors. It is also used in medical equipment such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to measure and monitor the electrical activity of the heart and brain, respectively. Additionally, it is used in the design and optimization of electronic circuits and devices.