Electric Potential and Potential Difference: Lesson 3.2

Unit 3: Electric Potential

Lesson 3.2
Electric Potential and Potential Difference

Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Learn about It! 4

Electric Potential 4
Potential Difference 5
Charge and Electric Potential 6
Applications of Electric Potential Difference in Circuitry 7
Key Points 13
Key Formula 13
Check Your Understanding 14
Challenge Yourself 16
Bibliography 16
Key to Try It! 17


Data Table
Table 3.2.1. Electric Field and Potential
Point Voltage
1
2
3
4

Guide Questions
1. What do the colors of the electric field vectors (black and white) in the simulation
signify?
2. At which point was voltage at its highest value? At which point was it at its lowest?
3. If the green dot represents electric potential, what can you deduce about the
relationship of the charge to the potential energy and potential of a given system?

Learn about It!

How will you differentiate electric potential from

potential difference?

Electric Potential
Electric potential, also called potential, is defined as the potential energy contained in a
single unit of charge. The electric potential located at any given point in the electric field
refers to the potential energy U per unit charge in relation to the charge q0 at that particular
location.

3.2. Electric Potential and Potential Difference 4


The SI unit of electric potential is volt (V), which is also equivalent to 1 joule per coulomb
(J/C). The relationship between charge, electric potential, and electric potential energy is
mathematically expressed as follows:

where V is the potential, k is Coulomb’s constant, q is the magnitude of the charge, r is the
radius, and U is the electric potential energy .

Did You Know?

The SI unit for electric potential is 1 volt (1 V), after the Italian
scientist Alessandro Volta (1745-1827).

An instrument used to determine the difference of potential
between two points is called a voltmeter.

Potential Difference
Recall from the previous lesson that the electric force must do a given amount of work to
move a charge from one point to another. If we apply the concept of electric potential to
this concept, the charge q0 must be divided to work, hence, the definition of potential as “the
amount of potential energy per unit charge” holds true. It is further verified by the general
equation below:

Equation 3.2.1



The difference of Va and Vb, or electric potential difference, is referred to as the potential

of a in relation to b (Vab). Thus, Equation 3.2.1 may be stated through the following
statement:

“The electric potential Vab of Va with respect to Vb is equivalent to the work (expressed
in J) done by the force when a charge moves from one point to another.”

This potential difference between points a and b is also called voltage, expressed in joules
per coulomb. This implies that if the Vab amounts to 1 V, 1 coulomb of charge that moved
from one point to another will increase its potential energy by 1 joule (J).

What is the difference between electric potential

and potential difference?

Charge and Electric Potential
Recall from your lesson on electric potential energy that as the charged particle moves, UE
decreases. Hence, the electric potential, or the potential energy per unit charge also
decreases. Since Vb is less than Va, Vab becomes positive.
The simulation you have interacted with at the Warm Up activity excellently illustrates this
relationship between a charge and electric potential. If there is a positive point charge, the
electric field is understood to be heading against that charge, and the potential V is positive
at any point from the charge. V decreases as you move away from the point charge and
increases as you move closer toward it. The opposite is true for any given negative point
charge, as illustrated in Fig. 3.2.2.



Fig. 3.2.2. Point charges and their electric potential

Applications of Electric Potential Difference in Circuitry

Potential and potential differences have indispensable applications in circuits. Analyze the
illustration in Fig. 3.2.3.

Fig. 3.2.3. Voltage in a battery

The voltage present in this battery is equivalent to the difference in potential Vab = Va – Vb
between the positive and the negative terminal points of the battery.



Circuitry relies heavily on the gain and loss of energy that results from the displacement of
charges across different locations. In battery-operated electric circuits, work must be
applied to a positive charge so that it can move from the negative terminal to the positive
terminal. This increases the charge’s potential energy, thus increasing electric potential. On
the contrary, as the positive charge transfers through the external circuit from the negative
to the positive terminal, electric potential energy and the corresponding potential decrease.
For instance, for a battery that has 20 volts, every coulomb of charge gains 20 joules of UE as
it travels through the battery. Furthermore, it loses 20 J of UE as it moves through the
external circuit. This loss in UE in the external circuit brings about a gain in different forms of
nonelectrical energy such as light and heat energy.

How are the concepts of potential and potential

difference applied in circuitry?

Tips
Always be mindful of the relationships among electric potential,
electric field, and electric force. The field always flows from regions of
high to low voltage, and the direction of the force on a charge is in the
direction of the field if q > 0 and away from it if q < 0.
Remember
Since both charge and potential energy are scalars, electric potential
is also considered as a scalar.

Electric potential and potential are two different concepts, and are
thus expressed differently in mathematical terms. Electric potential
energy is expressed in joules, whereas potential is expressed in volts.



Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Determine the electric potential 4.3 ✕ 10-14 m from a fragment that contains 10 protons.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

You are asked to calculate the electric potential.
Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The radius 4.3 ✕ 10-14 m, and the number of protons, 10, are given.

Total electric charge is identified by multiplying 10 to 1.6 ✕ 10-19 C. Thus, q =
1.6 ✕ 10-18 C.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
Step 4: Substitute the given values.
Step 5: Find the answer.

Thus, the electric potential is equivalent to 3.35 ✕ 105 V.

1 Try It!
Determine the electric potential 1.2 ✕ 10-14 m from a fragment that contains 50
protons.



Example 2
A sphere has a point charge of 6.43 μC at its very center. At what distance from this point
charge will the potential be 2 MV?

Solution

You are asked to calculate the distance with which the charge will receive a
potential of 2 MV.

The magnitude of the charge 6.43 μC and the potential 2 MV are given.

Thus, the distance from the center is 0.0289 m.

2 Try It!
A sphere has a point charge of 1.21 mC at its very center. At what distance from this
point charge will the potential be 1.77 MV?



Example 3
A Van de Graaff generator has a 200-cm diameter sphere containing a charge of 5.00 ✕ 10-3
C at its center. Determine the potential near the surface and the distance from the center if
the electric potential is 1.00 ✕ 106 V.

Solution

You are asked to calculate the potential near the surface and the distance from
the center with the given potential.

The diameter of the sphere (200 cm), the magnitude of the charge 5.00 ✕ 10-3 C,
and the potential (1.00✕106 V) are given.

Convert 200 cm to m.

Convert diameter into radius.


To find the potential near the surface:

To find the distance from the center:





Thus, the electric potential near the surface is 4.5 ✕ 107 V and the distance from the
center with the given potential is 45 m.

3 Try It!
A Van de Graaff generator has a 1500-millimeter diameter sphere containing a
charge of 7.50 ✕ 10-3 C at its center. Determine the potential near the surface and the
distance from the center if the electric potential is 6.4 ✕ 106 V.



Lesson 3.3
Calculating Electric Potential and Potential Difference

Contents
Introduction 1
Warm Up 3
Learn about It! 5

The General Equation 5
The Electron Volt 5
Calculations of Electric Potential 6
Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge 6
Electric Potential Due to a Collection of Charges 7
Key Points 12
Key Formulas 12
Bibliography 16
Key to Try It! 17


3. Based on the data you have gathered in Table 3.3.2, what is the relationship
between charge and potential difference?

Learn about It!

How will you differentiate electric potential from

potential difference?

The General Equation
You have learned that potential refers to the electric potential energy UE per unit charge
and is solved by or . Potential difference, on the other hand, is the
change in potential energy UE of a charge displaced from point A to B and is solved by VAB =
VA – VB.

Electric potential difference is most commonly referred to as voltage. Its relationship with
electric potential energy UE is given by:

Equation 3.3.1

where ΔU is the change in electric potential energy, VA is the potential at point A, VB is the
potential at point B, q is the magnitude of the point charge, ΔV is the potential difference.

The Electron Volt
In electrostatics, the value of electric energy often results in extremely low amounts of joule.
To deal with the tedious task of writing these very small values, an easier way of expressing
electrical energy and work was devised. Physicists call this unit the electron volt (eV). It
refers to the quantity of work done to displace a charge through a potential difference of 1
V. 1 eV is thus equivalent to the product of one volt 1 V and 1 elementary charge, hence:

3.3. Calculating Electric Potential and Potential Difference 5


What is the relationship between potential

difference and electric potential energy?

Calculations of Electric Potential
Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge
Recall that when the point charge q is positive, the potential is also positive everywhere.
Similarly, a negatively-charged q will have its potential negative at all points. To determine
the electric potential due to one point charge q, the following equation is used:

Equation 3.3.2

where V is the electric potential due a point charge , is the electric constant, q0 is the
magnitude of the point charge, r is the distance where potential is measured with respect to
the charge.

In this equation, the electric potential V is set arbitrarily at 0, and r is at an infinite distance
from the point charge. Therefore, the electric potential V, with respect to the point
charge, decreases with distance, and the electric field , with respect to the point charge,
decreases with distance squared. In such case, the electric field is given by:



Electric Potential Due to a Collection of Charges

Consider a system that contains a certain number N of charges: q1, q2, q3, …, qN. Each of
these charges produces its own potential at a certain point. Point P, for instance has a
potential equivalent to VP = V1, V2, V3, … VN. The test charge may be brought from its
reference point at infinity to point P. The net potential VP is the summation of all the
potentials given, and may be expressed as follows:

Equation 3.3.3

where V is the electric potential due a system of charges, is the electric constant, q0 is
the magnitude of the ith point charge, r is the distance where potential is measured with
respect to the ith charge.

How do we determine the electric potentials due to

a point charge and due to a collection of charges?

Tips
The resulting electric potential at a given point (P) is the summation
of the potentials at that point due to each of the charges. You
need not take direction into consideration since potential is a scalar.
Be mindful, however, of the charges’ signs.
Remember
A negative voltage implies that the positively charged particle will
be attracted from a greater distance and the potential will be lower.
The opposite is true for a negative charge.



Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Solve the potential at a point 18 m away from a 17.14 μC (A) and a -17.14 μC (B).

Solution

You are asked to calculate the electric potential due to point charges A and B.


The distance from both charges, 18 m, the magnitude of charge A, 17.14 μC , and
the magnitude of charge B, -17.14 μC are given.

Step 3: Write the working equations.




The potential due to point A is 8.57 ✕ 103 V, and due to point B is -8.57 ✕ 103 V.

1 Try It!
Calculate the electric potential at a point 32.16 m away from a 55.67 μC (C) and a
‒55.67 μC (D).

Example 2
Consider, for instance, that during a thunderstorm, the magnitude of the change in electric
potential energy ΔUE of an electron that has moved between a thundercloud and the
ground is 1.33 ✕ 10-28 J. Determine the electric potential difference ΔV between the ground
and the cloud.

Solution

You are asked to calculate the electric potential difference between the ground
and the cloud.


The magnitude of the change in electric potential energy, ΔUE = 1.33✕10-28 J, is
given. The charge of one electron is 1.6 ✕ 10-19 C.


The electric potential difference is hence given by:





Thus, the electric potential difference between the ground and the cloud is 8.31 ✕ 10-10 V.

2 Try It!
What will be the electric potential difference ΔV between the ground the cloud if the
magnitude of the change in electric potential energy of two electrons becomes 4.13
✕ 10-28 J?
Example 3
A positive and a negative charge are found on the corners of a rectangle with w = 0.15 mm
and l = 0.35 mm. The negatively-charged particle, found at the upper left hand corner, has a
magnitude of ‒8 ✕ 10-6 C. The positively-charged particle at the lower right corner, on the
other hand, has a magnitude of 4 ✕ 10-6 C. What will be the electric potential at the upper
right hand corner (point P) of the rectangular region?

Solution

You are asked to calculate the potential at the upper right hand corner of the
rectangle.




The width, w = 0.15 mm, and length, l = 0.35 mm, of the rectangle, the
magnitude of the negatively charged particle (‒8 ✕ 10-6 C) and the magnitude of
the positively charged particle (4 ✕ 10-6 C) are given.




The potential at the upper right hand corner of the rectangle VP is 3.43 ✕ 107 V.

3 Try It!
A positive and a negative charge are found on the corners of a rectangle with
w = 0.254 mm and l = 0.741 mm. The negatively-charged particle, found at the upper
left-hand corner, has a magnitude of ‒15 ✕ 10-6 C. The positively-charged particle at
the lower right corner, on the other hand, has a magnitude of 24 ✕ 10-6 C. What will
be the electric potential at the upper right hand corner (point P) of the rectangular
region?



Lesson 3.4
Equipotential Surfaces

Contents
Introduction 1
Warm Up 2
Learn about It! 3

Equipotential Surfaces 4
Field Lines and Equipotential Surfaces 4
Equipotentials and Conductors 5
Calculating Equipotentials 6
Work Done on Equipotential Surfaces 6
Determining Equipotential Surfaces 6
Key Points 12
Key Formulas 12
Bibliography 16
Key to Try It! 16


Fig. 3.4.1. Potential uniform field simulator

3. Click the “horizontal” button and watch how the potential is affected when you
displace a test charge horizontally.
4. Then, click the “vertical” button and watch how the potential is affected when you
displace a test charge vertically.

Guide Questions
1. In which direction is the electric field heading towards?
2. What happened to the electric potential of a test charge when you displaced it
horizontally?
3. What happened to the electric potential of a test charge when you displaced it
vertically from its initial position to its last?

Learn about It!

You have learned that electric field lines enable us to illustrate electric fields. Similarly, the
electric potential present in different locations in an electric field may be visualized by the
two-dimensional parallel lines in the simulation used in the Warm Up activity. In a
three-dimensional representation, these are what we refer to as equipotential surfaces.

What is an equipotential surface?

3.4. Equipotential Surfaces 3


Equipotential Surfaces
The analogy established between equipotential surfaces and a topographic map in the
beginning of this lesson will help you picture how the electric potential has the same value
in each point from a three-dimensional representation. Wherever an electric field is present,
an equipotential surface may be drawn therein. Consider, for instance, a charged particle q0.
As it gets displaced across each point of an equipotential surface, the potential energy q0V
remains constant. Thus, an equipotential surface is defined as a three-dimensional surface
where the electric potential is similar at all points.

Field Lines and Equipotential Surfaces
As a general rule, remember that field lines and equipotential surfaces are always
perpendicular to each other. Since electric potential energy remains constant even as a
test charge moves across an equipotential surface, the field does no amount of work on this
charge. Thus, if the electric field is perpendicular to the equipotential surface at all
points, then the force will also be perpendicular to the charge’s displacement across the
equipotential surface.

Fig. 3.4.2 shows cross sections of equipotential surfaces (expressed in blue lines) and field
lines (expressed in red lines) for three systems of charges. For a uniform electric field, the
field lines are parallel and equidistant, whereas the equipotentials are parallel planes that
are at a 90°-angle to the electric field lines.

Fig. 3.4.2. Cross sections of equipotential surfaces and field lines



Observe from Fig. 3.4.2 how regions that contain a large magnitude of tend to have their
equipotential surfaces at a shorter distance from each other. This is because the amount of
work done by the is inversely proportional to the displacement of the test charge.

Equipotentials and Conductors

Fig. 3.4.3. Equipotential surfaces on a conductor

Fig. 3.4.3 shows how on each point of the equipotential surface of a conductor in the static
case, the electric field E and the equipotential surface are perpendicular. Moreover, when all
of the given charges are not moving, the whole volume of the conducting material contains
the same potential. This is also termed as the equipotential volume of a conductor.
Interestingly, this explains how you may touch the interior walls of a conducting material
unharmed if you are inside it. If a conductor has a cavity without any charge, it also follows
that no net charge will be made available anywhere on the surface of the cavity.

Why are equipotential surfaces always

perpendicular to electric eld lines?



Calculating Equipotentials
Work Done on Equipotential Surfaces
Since equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to electric fields at all times, no amount of
work is required to displace a test charge across an equipotential surface. This is
mathematically proven by:
d
Equation 3.4.1

where ΔPE is the change in electric potential energy, q is the magnitude of the charge, and
ΔV is the potential difference.

The electric force is in the same direction as the electric field, thus, the relationship of work
to the electric field is given by:

Equation 3.4.2

where F is the electrostatic force, d is the distance, θ is the angle between F and d, q is the
magnitude of the charge, and E is the magnitude of the electric field.

In Equation 3.4.2, q, E, and d may not necessarily be equivalent to 0. Nonetheless, the angle
between the field and the surface is 90°, thus proving that displacement along an
equipotential is perpendicular to the electric field.

Determining Equipotential Surfaces
Since it has been established that the potential V is constant throughout an equipotential
surface, only the variables q0, or the magnitude of the point charge, and r, or the location of
the equipotential points around the point charge are to be taken into consideration. Recall
from your previous lessons that the distance r is inversely proportional to the potential V.
This is thus mathematically given by:



Equation 3.4.3

where V is electric potential (constant along an equipotential surface), k is Coulomb’s
constant, 9 ✕ 109 Nm2/C2, q is the magnitude of the charge, and r is the distance relative to
which potential is measured.

How are the locations of equipotential surfaces

determined?

Remember
Equipotential surfaces for various potentials will never intersect. This
is because no point can exist at two or more different electric
potentials.

The electric field does not always need to be constant over

an equipotential surface. Only the electric potential will remain
constant at all points.

Gaussian surfaces and equipotential surfaces are two commonly-
confused terms. Remember that Gaussian surfaces are arbitrary
and may be assigned accordingly, whereas equipotential surfaces
are determined by charge distribution.



Let’s Practice!
Example 1
A positively charged particle with a magnitude of 2.3 mC has moved 0.15 m across an
equipotential surface of 5 V. Determine the amount of work in the given situation.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the amount of work experienced by the charged
particle.

The magnitude of the charge, 2.3 mC, the distance, 0.15 m, and the potential, 5 V,
are given. However, since the motion has transpired along an equipotential
surface, the value of ΔV is equivalent to 0.

Step 3: Express the equation to be used.



Thus, the work exerted as the charged particle is displaced along the equipotential surface
is equal to zero.

1 Try It!
A 4.8-mC negative charge has moved 0.77 m across an equipotential surface of 25 V.
What is the work exerted by the charge?



Example 2
Determine the location of the equipotential surfaces with electric potentials of (1) 200 V, (2)
300 V, and (3) 400 V for a 5-nC charge.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the location of the equipotential surfaces r for the given
electric potentials.

The electric potentials, 200 V, 300 V, and 400 V, respectively, and the magnitude of
the charge, 5 nC are given.

, thus

Step 4: Substitute the given value/s


Thus, 200-V, 300-V, and 400-V equipotential surfaces are located at 0.225 m, 0.150 m,



and 0.113 m, respectively.

2 Try It!
Calculate the location of the equipotential surfaces at which the electric potential is
(1) 111 V, (2) 222 V, and (3) 333 V, respectively, for a 8.88 μC charge.
Example 3
A positively-charged particle with a magnitude of 67.9 nC is accelerating in a 100-N/C
uniform electric field. The particle has departed from an equipotential plane of 7 V and is
found to have displaced to a plane of 3 V after some time. Calculate the distance covered by
the particle.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the distance covered by the particle.

The magnitude of the positively-charged particle, 67.9 nC, the magnitude of the
electric field, 100-N/C, and the equipotentials 7 V and 3 V are given.

The main equation is .

Derive as the product of E and d, thus, .

Substitute to the main equation to solve the distance r, we may use the
equation: , or .



To solve work, use .
or

To solve the distance, use .


Thus, the distance covered by the positively-charged particle is 0.0400 m.

3 Try It!
A negatively-charged particle with a magnitude of 44.8 nC is accelerating in a
233.99-N/C uniform electric field. The particle has departed from an equipotential
plane of 10 V and is found to have displaced to a plane of 5 V after some time.
Calculate the distance covered by the particle.



Lesson 3.5
Electric Potential of Conductors

Contents
Introduction 1
Warm Up 2
Learn about It! 4

Electrostatic Equilibrium 4
Electric Fields and Conducting Materials 4
Electric Potential of Conductors 6
Key Points 12
Key Formulas 12
Bibliography 17
Key to Try It! 17


Learn about It!

What is electrostatic equilibrium?

Electrostatic Equilibrium
A conductor permits free electrons, also called conduction electrons, to freely move
between and among atoms. Every time a conductor receives an excess charge, it scatters
about the conducting material such that the totality of repulsive forces inside the conductor
will be reduced. This is referred to as electrostatic equilibrium. As soon as a charged
conducting material reaches electrostatic equilibrium, charges can no longer move about
the surface.

Remember
Electrostatic equilibrium is the condition in which the excess charge
inside a conducting material has “optimally distanced” itself to reduce
the amount of repulsive forces.

Electric Fields and Conducting Materials
You have learned from the previous lesson that the surfaces of conductors are considered
equipotential surfaces. The first characteristic of conducting materials at electrostatic
equilibrium is that the field and the conductor’s surface are directed perpendicular to
each other. Hence, if the conductor is spherical, the perpendicular field vectors are aligned
with the sphere’s center. If it is, however, shaped irregularly, then the field vector will be
perpendicular to any line tangential to the surface.

Fig. 3.5.2 illustrates how free charges are affected by an electric field inside a conducting
material. Since the field is a vector, with parallel and perpendicular components, the parallel
component exerts a parallel force on the point charge, hence canceling out. The free

3.5. Electric Potential of Conductors 4


charges are then distributed until the electric field and the surface are perpendicular.

Fig. 3.5.2. Perpendicularity of electric field and conductor’s surface

Another important thing to note is that under electrostatic equilibrium, the charges are
distributed such that no electric field is present inside the conducting material.
Consider, for instance, a conductor close to a positive charge. The metal’s conduction
electrons are attracted to the external positively-charged particle and freely move toward
that region. This region “to which” these free electrons moved now has more electrons than
protons inside the atoms, whereas the region “from where” the electrons displaced contains
more protons than electrons. This results in a negative region close to the charge, and a
positive region on the other end, as shown in Fig. 3.5.3. This separation between the equal
and opposite electric charges is referred to as polarization.

Fig. 3.5.3. Polarization of a conductor by an external charge q



What are the properties of conducting materials in

electrostatic equilibrium?

Electric Potential of Conductors
Recall that Gauss’s Law proves that in the electric field of a charged sphere, the field outside
the sphere is similar to that of a single charged particle. Hence, the electric potential will
also be the same and is given by Equation 3.5.1.

Equation 3.5.1

It has been established that the electric field within a conducting sphere is equivalent to
zero. This concludes that the electric potential will remain constant at the value that it has
reached on the conductor’s surface, thus:

The potential difference, or voltage, inside a conducting material in electrostatic equilibrium,
will also remain at this constant value, considering that the electric field is equivalent to the
rate of change of the electric potential. Fig. 3.5.4 shows the relationship between and
among these variables.

How can you determine the electric potentials

inside and on a charged conductor in electrostatic

equilibrium?



Fig. 3.5.4. Potential for a charged conducting sphere

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
A conducting hollow ball with a radius of 0.5 m has a charge with magnitude 4.3 μC. What is
the electric potential at the surface of the conductor?

Solution
You are asked to calculate the electric potential at the surface of the conductor.

The magnitude of the charge, 4.3 μC and the radius of the conducting ball, 0.5 m,
are given. The value of k, or Coulomb’s constant is 9 ✕ 109 Nm2/C2.






Thus, the electric potential at the surface of the conductor is 7.74 ✕ 104 V.

1 Try It!
A conducting hollow ball with a radius of 2.15 m has a charge with magnitude 6.25
μC. What is the electric potential at the surface of the conductor?
Example 2
Consider the spherical conductor in the figure below.

The conducting material shown above has a radius of 3 cm. If the electric potential at point
B, which is 2 cm from the center, is equal to 3 ✕ 105 V, calculate the magnitude of the
charge.



Solution
You are asked to calculate the magnitude of the charge.

The electric potential at Point A, 3 ✕ 105 V, and the radius, 3 cm, are given. Note
that the electric potential at the surface (Point B) will be constrained to the same
value at point A.

hence,



Thus, the magnitude of the charge in the conducting sphere is equal to 1.00 ✕ 10-6 C.

2 Try It!
Consider the values of R and r to be 30 mm and 25 mm, respectively, for the
conducting sphere shown in Let’s Practice! Example 2. If the electric potential at point
A is 13.45 ✕ 105 V, determine the magnitude of the charge.



Example 3
Consider the spherical conductor below.

The hollow metal ball above has an electric charge of 7.83 μC. The distance between points
A and B is 12 mm, between B and C is 15 mm, and between C and D is 48 mm. What are the
corresponding electric potentials at points C and D?

Solution
You are asked to calculate the electric potential at points C and D.

The magnitude of the charge, 7.83 μC, the distances between points, namely, AB =
12 mm, BC = 15 mm, and CD = 48 mm.

Identify r through AB + BC, thus:
r = 27 mm = 0.027 m



Identify R through AB + BC + CD, thus:

R = 75 mm = 0.075 m

Step 3: Express the equations to be used.



Thus, the electric potentials at points C and D are 2.61 ✕ 106 V and 9.40 ✕ 105 V,
respectively.

3 Try It!
Consider the distances between points for the same hollow ball in Let’s Practice!
Example 3 to be varied accordingly as follows: the distance between A and B is 5 cm,
the distance between B and C is 7 cm, and the distance between C and D is 15 cm.
Determine the electric potentials at points C and D if the point charge has a
magnitude of 15.93 μC.



Lesson 3.6
Calculating Electric Field

Contents
Introduction 1
Warm Up 2
Learn about It! 3

Coulomb’s Law and the Electric Field 4
Electric Field of a Single Point Charge 5
Electric Field at a Point between Two Charges 5
Two-Dimensional Electric Fields 6
Key Points 13
Key Formulas 13
Bibliography 18
Key to Try It! 18


Fig. 3.6.1. Electric field hockey

2. Guide the charged puck into the goal. Try to strategize how to position positive and
negative charges on the rink such that when you release the puck, electric forces will
guide it into the goal.

Guide Questions
1. In which direction do field lines point for the positive charges? How about for the
negative charges?
2. What do the field lines signify for the positively-charged puck?
3. What happened when you increased the mass of the puck?

Learn about It!

Plenty of essential conclusions may be drawn from the digital game that you have just
played. Electric field hockey allows you to visualize that the amount of charge plays a
significant role in the electric field, such that even a slight increase or decrease in it will
make the puck change its direction. This lesson provides a mathematical approach to
understanding the concept of the electric field.

3.6. Calculating Electric Field 3


What are the different ways to calculate electric

eld?

Coulomb’s Law and the Electric Field
Suppose a test charge q0 is found at a given location, r, and a system of external charges
acts to exert a force, F on this test charge. The electric field at r is given by:

Equation 3.6.1

where E is the electric field, F is the electrostatic force, and q0 is the test charge.
The electric field at any given region in space is a vector that follows the direction of the
electric force on a test charge at that location, with a magnitude equivalent to the force per
unit charge. It carries the SI unit N/C.

The electric field’s vector value is dependent only on the locations and values of the
external charges. This is supported by Coulomb’s Law, which underscores that the electric
force on a significantly small test charge q0 is directly proportional to the magnitude of the
charge. From Equation 3.6.1, we can derive the electric force experienced by the test charge
at r by:

Remember
A test charge is a charge considered to be infinitesimally small that
it approaches zero. It is assumed that it does not exert any force on
the other charges on the electric field.


Electric Field of a Single Point Charge

The electric field is considered as a vector. Coulomb’s Law further highlights that the
electric field due to a charge at the location is mathematically expressed as:

Equation 3.6.2

where E is the electric field, k is the value of Coulomb’s constant, or 9.0 ✕ 109 Nm2/C2, r is the
distance of the electric field from the charge q; and is the unit vector that points in the
direction of r.

How can you calculate the electric eld due to a

single point charge?

Electric Field at a Point between Two Charges
If the electric field at point is due to more than one point charge, the summation of the
fields, designated as , , , etc., due to the charge is determined by getting the total

electric field, as shown in Fig. 3.6.2. This is called the superposition principle, and is given
by:
Applying this principle to the general formula given in Equation 3.6.2, we therefore get:

Equation 3.6.3



Fig. 3.6.2. Superposition of electric fields

Two-Dimensional Electric Fields
For two-dimensional electric fields, due to two charges q1 and q2 situated at the x- and y-
axes, respectively, determine the magnitude of the electric field produced by each of the
charges, then add their components. Since the direction is identified physically, the signs of
the charges are not taken into consideration. Thus,

To determine the direction of the electric field, designate the positive directions as heading
either to the right (positive x-direction) or upward (positive y-direction) and the
negative ones as heading either to the left (negative x-direction) or downward (negative
y-direction). Always remember to consider the attraction and repulsion of like and unlike
charges when considering the direction of the electric field.
Since there are only two forces acting in the x- and y-directions, the magnitude of the
resultant force can be solved with the Pythagorean theorem, thus:

Equation 3.6.4
where ER is the magnitude of the resultant force, EX is the x-component, and EY is the
y-component.



Moreover, the angle θR can be solved using a trigonometric function, as follows:

Equation 3.6.5

Remember
Remember that by definition, . In

determining the x- and y-components of the electric field, it is
crucial to first determine the location of the x-component to the
angle θ. If either the x- or y-component is adjacent to this angle,
use the cosine function. On the contrary, if the x- or y-component is
opposite the angle θ, use the sine function.
How are electric elds calculated for charges in

one and in two dimensions?

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
A distance of 11.16 cm separates two point charges, q1, which has a charge of ‒33.13 μC and
q2, which has a charge of 44.15 μC. Identify the field’s magnitude at point A between the two
charges, if A is 3.30 cm away from the negative charge.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the direction and magnitude of the electric field.




The distance between the charges 11.16 cm, the charge of q1, ‒33.13 μC, the
charge of q2, 44.15 μC, and the distance of Point A from q1, 3.30 cm are given.

Determine r2 by subtracting 11.16 cm (the distance between the two charges) and
r1, thus r2 is equal to 7.86 cm.

The electric field diagram illustrating the given values is shown in the figure below.




Thus, the electric field is equal to 3.38 ✕ 108 N/C.



1 Try It!
Two point charges, q1, which has a charge of ‒76.11 μC and q2 , which has a charge
of 13.33 μC, are separated by a distance of 24.67 cm. Identify the field’s magnitude at
point A between the two charges if A is 10.39 cm away from the negative charge.
Example 2
What will be the charge of q1 if an 18-μC point charge is separated from it by a distance of
66.19 cm? Assume that the electric field between the two charges at point A 21-cm away
eastward of q1 is equal to 4.67 ✕ 108 N/C.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the charge of q1.

The charge of q2, 18 μC, the distance between q1 and q2, 66.19 cm, the distance
between point A and q1, 21 cm, and the total electric field at point A, 4.67✕108 N/C
are given.

Determine r2 by subtracting 66.19 cm (the distance between the two charges) and
r1, which is 21 cm. Thus, r2 is equal to 45.19 cm.

The electric field diagram illustrating the given values is provided below. Note that
since it was provided that the electric field is found eastward of the first charge,
the value of the charge must be negative.




Derive the equation to find q1 as follows:



Thus, the charge of q1 is equal to 2.28 ✕ 10-3 C.

2 Try It!
What will be the charge of q1 if an 11.90 μC point charge is separated from it by a
distance of 79.10 cm? Assume that the electric field at Point A 34.66-cm away to the
right of q1 is equal to 32.90 ✕ 108 N/C.



Example 3
Two charges with Point A at their origin form a right triangle, as shown in the figure below.
Their corresponding charges are q1 = 10 μC and q2 = ‒20 μC. The distance between q1 and
point A is 46 mm and the distance between q2 and point A is 14 mm. Determine the
resulting magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A from the two charges.

Solution
You are asked to calculate the electric field at Point A from the two charges.

The magnitudes of the two charges, q1 = 10 μC and q2 = ‒20 μC, the
distance between q1 and Point A, 46 mm, and the distance between q2 and
Point A, 14 mm are given.

Step 3: Express the equations to be used.



To determine the direction of the electric field, use:


Determine the x- and y-components.

Determine the direction of the electric field.

Step 5: Find the answers.

Thus, the magnitude of the electric field at point A from the two charges is equal to 9.19
✕ 108 N/C at an angle of 89.3° with respect to the horizontal.


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Unit 3: Electric Potential

Learn about It! 4

Key Points 13

Key Formula 13

Check Your Understanding 14

Challenge Yourself 16

Key to Try It! 17

Learn about It!

How will you differentiate electric potential from

Did You Know?

The diﬀerence of Va and Vb, or electric potential diﬀerence, is referred to as the potential

What is the difference between electric potential

How are the concepts of potential and potential

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Thus, the distance from the center is 0.0289 m.

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Learn about It! 5

Key Points 12

Key Formulas 12

Check Your Understanding 14

Challenge Yourself 16

Key to Try It! 17

Learn about It!

How will you differentiate electric potential from

What is the relationship between potential

Electric Potential Due to a Collection of Charges

How do we determine the electric potentials due to

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Learn about It! 3

Key Points 12

Key Formulas 12

Check Your Understanding 13

Challenge Yourself 15