Electric Potential Derivation
Let’s contemplate a charge, denoted as q1 positioned at a distance ‘r’ from another charge. The overall electric potential of this charge is characterized as the cumulative work accomplished by an external force in transporting the charge from an infinite distance to the specified location.
We can write it as, -∫ (ra→rb) F.dr = – (Ua – Ub)
Here, we see that the point rb is present at infinity, and the point ra is r.
Substituting the values, we can write, -∫ (r →∞) F.dr = – (Ur – U∞)
As we know that Uinfity is equal to zero.
Therefore, -∫ (r →∞) F.dr = -UR
Using Coulomb’s law between the two charges, we can write:
⇒ -∫ (r →∞) [-kqqo]/r2 dr = -UR
Or, -k × qqo × [1/r] = UR
Therefore, UR = -kqqo/r
Electric Potential Energy
Electrical potential energy is the cumulative effect of the position and configuration of a charged object and its neighboring charges. The electric potential energy of a charged object governs its motion in the local electric field.
Sometimes electrical potential energy is confused with electric potential, however, the electric potential at a specific point in an electric field is the amount of work required to transport a unit charge from a reference point to that specific point and electrical potential energy is the amount of energy required to move a charge against the electric field.
In this article, let’s understand the electrical potential energy, electric potential, their key concepts, applications, and solved problems.
Table of Content
- What is Electric Potential Energy?
- Electric Potential Energy Formula
- Electric Potential Energy of a Point Charge
- Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- What is Electric Potential?
- What is Electric Potential Difference?
- Electric Potential Derivation
- Electric Potential of a Point Charge
- Solved Examples on Electric Potential Energy
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