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

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In summary, Delta V is a measure of the difference in electric potential between two points and is important in determining the work done by an electric field on a charged particle and calculating current flow in a circuit. It is calculated by subtracting initial voltage from final voltage or dividing work done by charge. Delta V is closely related to electric potential and is used in practical applications such as designing circuits and understanding charged particle behavior. Understanding Delta V is crucial in accurately analyzing and designing electrical systems, predicting particle behavior, and studying electromagnetism.
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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.
 

1. What is Delta V and why is it important?

Delta V, also known as change in voltage or potential difference, is a measure of the difference in electric potential between two points. It is important because it determines the amount of work that can be done by an electric field on a charged particle, and is also used to calculate the flow of current in a circuit.

2. How is Delta V calculated?

Delta V is calculated by subtracting the initial voltage from the final voltage in a circuit. It can also be calculated by dividing the work done by the charge of the particle.

3. What is the relationship between Delta V and electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of work per unit charge required to move a charged particle from one point to another. Delta V is a measure of the change in electric potential between two points. In other words, Delta V is the difference in electric potential between two points.

4. How is Delta V used in practical applications?

Delta V is used in various practical applications, such as in designing electronic circuits, calculating the power consumption of devices, and understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric fields. It is also used in fields such as electrochemistry, where it is used to calculate the energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

5. What are the implications of understanding Delta V?

Understanding Delta V allows scientists and engineers to accurately analyze and design electrical systems, as well as predict the behavior of charged particles in various situations. It also helps in understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit, and is essential in the study of electromagnetism and other related fields.

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