What is the Relationship Between Electric Field and Potential?

AI Thread Summary
The relationship between electric field (E) and electric potential (V) is clarified through the equation dV/dr = -E. The potential V is expressed as V = kq/r, while the electric field is E = kq/(r^2). When differentiating the potential function, dV/dr results in a negative value for the electric field, confirming the relationship. The confusion arises from not initially applying the derivative correctly. Understanding this differentiation resolves the misunderstanding of why dV/dr equals -E.
shirel
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I don't understand why dV/dr=-E

As far as I know:
V=kq/r
E=Kq/(r^2)
so V/r becomes to be E and not -E.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
shirel said:
V=kq/r
What's dV/dr for that potential? Compare that to E.
 
ohh I should derivate the function! thank you :)
 

Similar threads

I Electric field inside & outside of a spherical shell
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Electric field vector takes into account the field's radial direction?
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Discontinuity of Electric field
Replies
7
Views
1K
B Electric Field Created by a Finite Plate
Replies
2
Views
1K
Potential difference between charged parallel plates
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Units of q in Electric Field Equation
Replies
11
Views
2K
Electric potential of nested spherical shells
Replies
4
Views
871
What will the electric field be at the surface?
Replies
7
Views
2K
B Electric Field Created by 2 Infinite Plates
Replies
1
Views
1K
Potential Gradient for individual charges and parallel plates?
Replies
33
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top