Understanding Delta V = Ed: Validity and Implications for Electric Potential

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SUMMARY

The equation ΔV = Ed is valid under the condition that the electric field (E) is uniform. This means that for applications such as calculating electric potential from the surface of a sphere to a certain point, one must assume a constant electric field to simplify the integration process. The discussion confirms that uniformity of the electric field is essential for the direct application of this equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential differences
  • Familiarity with integral calculus in physics
  • Knowledge of electrostatics, particularly regarding spherical charge distributions
  • Basic principles of uniform fields in electromagnetism
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  • Research the conditions for uniform electric fields in electrostatics
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  • Explore applications of ΔV = Ed in various geometries, including spherical and cylindrical systems
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mk9898
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Hello,

When exactly is ##\Delta V = Ed##? Wouldn't E need to be uniform for this to be true? And if for example we have a sphere and we would like to know the potential from the surface to a certain point, then wouldn't we have to assume that E is uniform everywhere i.e. constant to take it out of the integral?
 
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mk9898 said:
Wouldn't E need to be uniform for this to be true?
Yes, this is right.
 
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Ok thank you.
 

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