The discussion revolves around the relationship between electric field (E) and electric potential (V), specifically whether E can be considered the negative derivative of V. Participants explore the mathematical definitions and implications of this relationship in the context of vector components.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the vector components of the electric field and their relationship to the electric potential. There is a recognition of the need for clarity regarding the mathematical expressions involved.
Participants are navigating the complexities of vector calculus in the context of electric fields and potentials, with some expressing confusion about the relationship as explained by their TA.
kuruman said:You need to sharpen your thinking. The electric field is a vector, so to specify it you need to specify its three components. These are
E_{x}=-\frac{\partial V}{\partial x}; E_{y}=-\frac{\partial V}{\partial y};E_{z}=-\frac{\partial V}{\partial z}