The discussion revolves around the effects of an electric field on the potential energy of a particle, comparing it to gravitational potential energy and exploring the distinctions between electric and gravitational potentials. Participants examine theoretical aspects, mathematical similarities, and the implications of these concepts in various contexts.
Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement. While there is some consensus on the mathematical similarities between electric and gravitational fields, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the nuances of potential energy types and their implications.
Participants note that the discussion is limited by the context of static electric fields and the definitions of potential energy, which may vary across different types.
You should distinguish between Gravitational and Electric Potential. They are very distinct. ``Everything has 'some of each' but in the majority of circumstances that are commonly described, only one of them dominates. It's the Gravitational Potential that governs what planets do and it's the Electrical potential that describes the behaviour of electrons and ions in most circuits and old TV tubes. Life as a small flying insect involves both gravitational and electrical forces because the viscosity of the air is caused by electrical potential at a molecular level but, in still air and without flapping its wings, gravitational force will pull an insect down to the Earth (very slowly). You won't get asked questions about that situation at School level."When I look this up". Where are you looking?JoeyBob said:Summary:: When I look this up everything is talking about the effect an electric field has on potential.
Like an electric field is applying a sort of force on a particle. I was wondering if this at all impacts the potential energy of a particle. For instance, when the force of gravity does work on an object, its potential energy changes as a consequence. Would it be the same thing here?
Google... https://www.google.com/search?q=ele...69i60j69i61.7079j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8sophiecentaur said:You should distinguish between Gravitational and Electric Potential. They are very distinct. ``Everything has 'some of each' but in the majority of circumstances that are commonly described, only one of them dominates. It's the Gravitational Potential that governs what planets do and it's the Electrical potential that describes the behaviour of electrons and ions in most circuits and old TV tubes. Life as a small flying insect involves both gravitational and electrical forces because the viscosity of the air is caused by electrical potential at a molecular level but, in still air and without flapping its wings, gravitational force will pull an insect down to the Earth (very slowly). You won't get asked questions about that situation at School level."When I look this up". Where are you looking?
Electric potential energy is one type of potential energy. Similarly with gravitational potential energy, chemical potential energy, elastic potential energy, etc.JoeyBob said:But as you can see its talking about electric potential energy. Is this the same as potential energy
Did you read the first two lines of my post which you have just quoted? The word "potential```' refers to stored energy per unit of charge (or mass).JoeyBob said:But as you can see its talking about electric potential energy. Is this the same as potential energy?
Yes, the definition in terms of work is the same for all types of potential energy.JoeyBob said:So its change is the same as negative work?