2024 Electric Fields Lecture Notes (Teachers)

JURONG PIONEER JUNIOR COLLEGE
9749 H2 PHYSICS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
Content
1. Concept of an electric field

2. Electric force between point charges
3. Electric field of a point charge
4. Uniform electric fields
5. Electric potential
Learning Outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
(a) show an understanding of the concept of an electric field as an example of a field of

force and define electric field strength at a point as the electric force exerted per unit
positive charge placed at that point.
(b) represent an electric field by means of field lines.
(c) recognise the analogy between certain qualitative and quantitative aspects of electric
and gravitational fields.
Q1Q2
(d) recall and use Coulomb’s law in the form F = for the electric force between
4 o r 2
two point charges in free space or air.
Q
(e) recall and use E = for the electric field strength of a point charge in free space
4 o r 2
or air.
(f) calculate the electric field strength of the uniform field between charged parallel plates
in terms of the potential difference and plate separation.
(g) calculate the forces on charges in uniform electric fields.
(h) describe the effect of a uniform electric field on the motion of charged particles.
(i) define the electric potential at a point as the work done per unit positive charge in
bringing a small test charge from infinity to that point.
(j) state that the field strength of the electric field at a point is numerically equal to the
potential gradient at that point.
Q
(k) use the equation V = for the electric potential in the field of a point charge, in
4 o r
free space or air.
2024/JPJC/PHYSICS/9749 1
Introduction
• In previous lectures, we learnt forces such as upthrust, tension, normal contact force, and
friction. These forces act only when objects are in contact with each other.
• There is another important force which we have studied, that is the gravitational force. This
attractive force exists between any masses and can act without the masses being in
contact with one another. Hence, the concept of a gravitational field was introduced.
• In this lecture, we shall study the electric field which exists because of charges. An analogy
will also be made between certain qualitative and quantitative aspects of electric and
gravitational fields.
1 Concept of an electric field
(a) Candidates should be able to show an understanding of the concept of an electric field
as an example of a field of force and define electric field strength at a point as the
electric force exerted per unit positive charge placed at that point.
1.1 Electric field
• Electric field is a concept that explains how charged particles interact with each other at a
distance, without any physical contact.
• An electric field is a region in space where a charge experiences an electric force. Hence,
it is an example of a field of force.
• The electric field is set up by a positively or negatively charged object.
• To detect the presence of the electric field created by the charged object, a test charge
will be required to be brought into the field so that it experiences an electric force.
• Note that a test charge is one whose charge is so small that it does not affect the field that
was originally present.
(b) Candidates should be able to represent an electric field by means of field lines.
1.2 Electric field lines
• An electric field can be represented by means of field lines, or lines of force. Field lines
are imaginary, and are used to visualise the pattern of the electric field.
• The direction of electric field lines (or lines of force) indicates the direction of force in which
a positive test charge would experience at that point.
• In Fig. 1a, an electric field is set up by a positive point charge, + Q . To draw the electric
field lines, a positive test charge + q is placed in different regions and the lines of force
are drawn. The lines are directed away from + Q as like charges repel. The electric field
of a positive point charge is thus as shown in Fig. 1b.
Fig. 1a Lines of force on positive test charges + q due to a positive point charge + Q
+Q
Fig. 1b Electric field lines of an isolated positive point charge + Q
• SimilarIy, for a positive test charge + q placed in different regions near to a negative point
charge − Q , the test charge experiences forces of attraction. The lines of force are
directed towards the negative point charge as shown in Fig. 2a. The electric field of a
negative point charge is thus as shown in Fig. 2b.
Fig. 2a Lines of force on positive test charges + q due to a negative point charge − Q
E
−Q
Fig. 2b Electric field lines of an isolated negative point charge − Q
1.2.1 Characteristics of electric field lines
a. The field lines are always directed away from a positive charge and directed towards a
negative charge.
b. The field lines are closer to one another where the field is stronger, and vice versa. In other
words, the density of field lines (number of lines per unit area) represents the strength of
the electric field.
c. In the direction of an electric field line, the electric potential V is decreasing.
d. The tangent to a field line at a point gives the direction of the electric field E at that point.
e. The field lines do not cross each other, as the electric field will then have two directions at
the point where they cross.
f. For field lines that are parallel and equally spaced, the electric field is said to be uniform.
This implies that every point in the field has the same field strength.
g. The electric field lines are drawn such that they are normal to the surface of conductors or
charges.
h. No electric field exists inside a hollow or solid conductor.
1.2.2 Patterns of electric field lines for different arrangements of charges
(a) Single positive charge (b) Single negative charge
(c) Two like charges (d) Two unlike charges
+
(e) Two unlike charges of different magnitude (f) Positively charged conducting sphere
(g) Two parallel conducting plates (h) Single positive charge and negatively charged plate
2 Electric force between point charges
Q1Q2
(d) Candidates should be able to recall and use Coulomb’s law in the form F =
4 o r 2
for the electric force between two point charges in free space or air.
2.1 Coulomb’s law
Coulomb’s law states that the magnitude of the electric force between two point charges
is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the
square of their separation.
• Mathematically,
Q1Q2
F
r2
Q1Q2
F =k
r2
where F is the electric force, Q1 and Q2 are the two point charges separated by distance
r , and the proportionality constant k is determined experimentally having a value of
8.99  10 9 N m2 C−2.
• By convention, the equation is usually written as
Q1Q2
F=
4 o r 2
1
where k = . The constant  o is the permittivity of free space and has a value of
4 o
8.85  10 −12 C2 N−1 m−2.
• The very small value of  o means that a very large electric force exists even between
small charges.
• If Q1 and Q2 are charges of the same sign placed at a distance r apart, the force
between them is repulsive.
F F F F
+ + − −
Fig. 4 Forces of repulsion between two like charges
• If Q1 and Q2 are charges of opposite signs placed at a distance r apart, the force
between them is attractive.
+ − − +
Fig. 5 Forces of attraction between two unlike charges
• The forces in each case are equal in magnitude but act in opposite direction. This is
consistent with Newton’s third law of motion.
Example 1
A charge of +2.0 nC is placed at a distance of 3.0 × 10−2 m away from a −8.0 nC charge in
vacuum. Calculate the electric force acting between them.
Q1Q2
F=
4 0 r 2
( +2.0  10−9 )( −8.0  10−9 )
=
4 (8.85  10−12 )(3.0  10−2 )2
= −1.6  10−4 N
The electric force is 1.6  10 −4 N and is attractive in nature.
Example 2
Two equal charges of +q are placed at the corners A and B of an equilateral triangle ABC
having sides of length L.
Determine the expression for the electric force acting on a third charge of −q placed at the
corner C in terms of q and L, if the arrangement is in vacuum.
Q3 = −q
C
F31
F32
QQ
F31 = 1 3 2
4 o L
F3
QQ
F32 = 2 32 A B
4 o L
Q1 = +q Q2 = +q
Resultant force F3 is the sum of the vertical components of F31 and F32, as the sum of their
horizontal components is zero.
Q1Q3 QQ
F31 = cos 30 + F32 = 2 32 cos 30
4 o L2
4 o L
q2  3 q2  3
=   +  
4 o L2  2  4 o L2  2 
3q 2
=
4 o L2
3q 2
Hence, the electrostatic force on the –q charge is acting downwards towards mid point
4 0 L2
of AB.
3 Electric field of a point charge
Q
(e) Candidates should be able to recall and use E = for the electric field strength
4 o r 2
of a point charge in free space or air.
3.1 Electric field strength
• The electric field strength is a measure of how strong the electric field created by a charge
is.
The electric field strength E at a point in an electric field is defined as the electric force
exerted per unit positive charge placed at that point.
• Mathematically,
F
E=
q
where F is the electric force experienced by a charge q. The unit of E is N C−1 or V m−1.
• Consider a positive point charge + Q placed at point A and a positive test charge q
placed at point B, a distance r apart, as shown in Fig. 6. The charge + Q creates an
electric field which is radially outwards. The magnitude of the electric field strength at point
B is
F
EB =
q
where F is the electric force of repulsion exerted on the test charge q

by + Q .
• Substituting F into the equation,

Qq
4 o r 2
EB =
q
Q
EB =
4 o r 2
• The direction of the electric field strength EB is directed to the right, as shown in Fig. 6.
A B
Fig. 6 Electric field strength at point B due to a positive point charge + Q
• Similarly, if a negative point charge − Q is placed at point A instead, the magnitude of the
electric field strength at point B is
F'
EB' =
q
where F' is the electric force of attraction exerted on the test charge q
by − Q .
• Substituting F' into the equation,

−Qq
4 o r 2
EB' =
q
−Q
EB' =
4 o r 2
• In this case, the direction of the electric field strength EB ' is directed to the left, as shown
in Fig. 7. This is consistent with what we have learnt so far, that is, the field lines point
radially inwards for a negative point charge, − Q .
A B
−Q q
EB '
Fig. 7 Electric field strength at point B due to a negative point charge − Q
• In general, the magnitude of the electric field strength E at a point, where the point is at a
distance r away form a point charge Q is
Q
E=
4 o r 2
3.2 Graphical representation of the electric field strength due to a single charge
• The variation of the electric field strength with distance away from a point charge is as
shown in Fig. 8.
positive point charge negative point charge
Fig. 8 Variation of electric field strength with distance for positive and negative charges
• For both positive and negative point charges, the magnitude of the electric field strength
decreases with square of distance (inverse square law) away from the charges.
Example 3
Consider two point charges Q1 and Q2 having charges of equal magnitude but opposite signs,
+ q and − q respectively. Determine the electric field strength
(a) at point P, midway between both charges,
(b) at point R. (assume R is vertically above P)
R
×
2a 2a
2a
×
P
Q1 q
(a) Magnitude of electric field strength at P due to Q1, E1 = = towards Q2.
4 0a 2
4 0a2
Q2 q
Magnitude of electric field strength at P due to Q2, E2 = = towards Q2.
4 0a 2
4 0a2
2q
Hence, resultant field strength at P, EP = towards Q2.
4 0a2
Q1 q
(b) Magnitude of electric field strength at R due to Q1, E1 ' = =
4 0 (2a)2
16 0a2
60° above the horizontal.
Q2 q
Magnitude of electric field strength at R due to Q2, E2 ' = =
4 0 (2a)2
16 0a2
60° below the horizontal.
Resolving vectors vertically, ER,y = 0.
q q
Horizontally, ER,x = cos 60 + cos 60
16 0a 2
16 0a2
q
Hence, resultant field strength at R is ER = towards the right.
16 0a 2
Example 4
The diagram shows two small charged spheres P and Q of small mass which are hung by
identical fine nylon threads from a fixed point X. It is found that, in equilibrium, the angle  is
greater than the angle  .
P Q
Show that the mass of P is smaller than that of Q.
At P:
Resolving vectors,
Vertically, WP = T cos  ---(1)
Horizontally, FE = T sin  ---(2)
(2) FE
: = tan  ---(3)
(1) WP
At Q:
Resolving vectors,
Vertically, WQ = T ' cos  ---(4)
Horizontally, FE = T ' sin  ---(5)
(5) FE
: = tan  ---(6)
(4) WQ
(6) WP tan 
: =
(3) WQ tan 
mP tan 
= 1 since   
mQ tan 
 mP  mQ
4 Uniform electric fields
(f) Candidates should be able to calculate the electric field strength of the uniform field
between charged parallel plates in terms of potential difference and plate separation.
4.1 Electric field between two charged parallel plates
• The electric field between two oppositely charged parallel metal plates is uniform, except
near the ends of the plates.
positively charged plate
negatively charged plate
Fig. 9 Uniform electric field between two charged parallel plates
• The electric field lines are directed from a region of higher potential to a region of lower
potential.
• If V is the potential difference between the parallel charged plates placed at a separation
d apart, the electric field strength is
V
E=
d
• Note that this expression is different from the electric field strength of
point charges. For a point charge Q , the electric field is not uniform but varies inversely
Q
with the square of distance from the point charge, E = .
4 o r 2
• The variation of electric field strength E and potential V with distance x is shown in
Fig. 10.
A B
+V 0V
d
E
x
0
x
0
Fig. 10 Graphs of E−x and V−x, where x is the distance measured from plate A
(g) Candidates should be able to calculate the forces on charges in uniform electric fields.
(h) Candidates should be able to describe the effect of a uniform electric field on the
motion of charged particles.
4.2 Forces on charges in uniform electric fields
V
• For a charge q placed in a uniform field E , where E = , the charge will experience an
d
electric force F .
• Since the electric field strength E at a point is defined as the electric force exerted per
unit positive charge placed at that point, we have
F
E=
q
F = qE
• The electric force F experienced by a charge q placed in a uniform electric field is the
same regardless of its position in the field. This is because the electric field strength E is
the same everywhere between the charged parallel plates, except near the ends.
• The direction of the force depends on the nature of the charge on the particle as shown in
Fig. 11.
+V +V
d + d −
0 0
Fig. 11 Direction of electric force experienced by different types of charges in uniform fields
• Usually the weight of a point charge is considered to be negligible as compared to the

electric force on the point charge. Hence, the acceleration of the point charge can be
calculated easily using
F
a=
m
where a is the acceleration in the direction of the electric force F and m is the mass of the
point charge.
• In certain cases, for example charged oil-drops, the weight of the oil-drop cannot be
neglected. Hence, to calculate the acceleration of a charged oil-drop, the resultant force
must take into account both the weight and the electric force.
Example 5
An oil-drop of mass m, carrying a negative charge of magnitude q is in the region between two
horizontal plates of separation d. When the potential difference between the upper and lower
plates is V, the drop is stationary. The potential difference is then increased to 2V. What is the
initial upward acceleration of the drop in terms of m, q, V and d?
When the oil drop is stationary and in equilibrium, the upward electric force FE is balanced by
the weight W,
W = FE
= qE
V
=q
d
When potential difference is 2V,

Fnet = FE '− W
= qE '− W
2V V
=q −q
d d
V
=q
d
By Newton’s 2nd Law,

Fnet = ma
Fnet
a=
m
qV
=
md
• Previously, we looked at charged particles that are stationary or moving parallel to the field.
Now, we shall study the motion of charged particles moving perpendicularly to the direction
of the electric field.
• For a charge q (projected with a horizontal speed v ) moving perpendicularly to the

direction of the uniform electric field E , an electric force F = qE will be acting on the
charge in the direction of E (vertically downward).
+V +V
v v
d + d −
0 0
Fig. 12 Effects of uniform electric field on different charges moving perpendicularly to the
direction of the electric field
• Charge q does not experience any horizontal force, and so the horizontal speed remains
constant.
• The charge q will thus move in a parabolic path (compare with projectile motion).
• Upon leaving the field, the charge will continue to move in a straight path.
Example 6
The potential difference between a pair of horizontal plates of length 4.0 cm and separation
2.5 cm in a cathode ray tube is 575 V. An electron enters the region between the plates
horizontally with a velocity of 3.7  10 7 m s−1. Calculate the velocity of the electron when it
leaves the plates.
4.0 cm
+
m s−1
−
−
Horizontally, taking rightwards as positive, since Fx = 0, ax = 0,

vx = ux = 3.7 × 107 m s−1
The electron is within the electric field for a duration of t, given by

s 4.0  10−2
t= x = = 1.08  10−9 s
ux 3.7  10 7
Vertically, taking upwards as positive,

F = qE
V
may = q
d
qV (1.60  10−19 )(575)
ay = =
md (9.11 10 −31 )(2.5  10 −2 )
= 4.04  1015 m s−2
Using v y = uy + ay t ,
v y = 0 + (4.04  1015 )(1.08  10−9 )
= 4.36  106 m s−1
Hence,
v = vx2 + vy 2
= (3.7  107 )2 + (4.36  106 )2

= 3.73  107 m s−1
v
 = tan−1 y
vx
4.36  106
= tan−1
3.7  107
= 6.72
The electron leaves the plates with a velocity of 3.73  107 m s−1 at an angle of 6.72° above
the horizontal.
5 Electric potential
5.1 Electric potential energy of a point charge
The electric potential energy, U of a charge q at a point in an electric field created by

another charge Q, is defined as the work done W in bringing the charge q from infinity to
that point.
• Note that the work done is by an external agent.
• Mathematically,
Qq
U=
4 o r
where U is the electric potential energy, and r is the distance between charge Q and q
(See Appendix A).
• The electric potential energy of any charged particle is zero at infinity.
• When a positive charge +q moves from infinity towards another positive charge +Q, it
experiences a repulsive force. To bring the two charges nearer to each other, positive work
has to be done by an external force on the system. Hence, the electric potential energy of
+q is positive.
• In general, the electric potential energy of the charges is positive if both charges are of the
same sign. This is because positive work has to be done to bring them together as like
charges repel.
• On the other hand, when a positive charge +q moves from infinity towards a negative
charge −Q, it experiences an attractive force. Therefore, the external force does negative
work in bringing the two charges together. Hence, the electric potential energy of +q is
negative.
• In general, the electric potential energy of the charges is negative if both charges are of
opposite signs. This is because unlike charges attract and negative work has to be done
to bring them together.
Example 7
Write down the electric potential energy of each particle. The separation between any two
particles is r .
Q1Q2
(a) U1 = U2 =
4 0 r
Q3Q4
(b) − Q3 − Q4 U3 = U 4 =
4 0 r
Q5 ( −Q6 ) QQ
(c) + Q5 − Q6 U5 = U 6 = =− 5 6
4 0 r 4 0 r
• Generally, for a charge q to move from a point A to a point B in an electric field set up by
a charge Q, the work done is the difference in the electric potential energy of q at point A
and B.
• Mathematically,
W = U
W = Uf − Ui
W = UB − UA
• W may be positive or negative, depending on whether electric potential energy is gained

or lost when a charge is moved between two positions.
(i) Candidates should be able to define the electric potential at a point as the work done
per unit positive charge in bringing a small test charge from infinity to that point.
Q
(k) Candidates should be able to use the equation V = for the electric potential in
4 o r
the field of a point charge, in free space or air.
5.2 Electric potential of a point charge
The electric potential V at a point in an electric field is defined as the

work done per unit positive charge in bringing a small test charge from infinity to that point.
• Mathematically,
W
V =
q
Q
V =
4 o r
where V is the electric potential at a point, distance r away from a point charge Q. The unit
of V is V or JC−1.
• The electric potential is a scalar quantity and the value is defined to be zero at infinity.
• For a positive point charge, the electric potential at any point in the electric field is positive.
For a negative point charge, the electric potential at any point in the electric field is negative.
5.2.1 Graphical representation of the electric potential due to a single charge
• The variation of the electric potential with distance r away from a point charge is as shown
in Figure 13.
positive point charge negative point charge
Fig. 13 Variation of electric potential with distance for positive and negative charges
• For a positive point charge, the electric potential decreases with distance. For a negative
point charge, the electric potential increases (becomes less negative) with distance.
• The variation of electric potential with distance for a point charge is different from that of
charged parallel plates. (see Fig. 10, page 13)
Example 8
Calculate the resultant electric potential at point X due to the charges shown below. Hence,
or otherwise, calculate the electric potential energy of a + 3.0 C charge placed at point X.
4m 2m
X
C C
The resultant electric potential at X is the sum of the electric potentials due to each charge.
+2.0  10−6
Electric potential at X due to +2.0 C charge, V1 =
4 0 (6.0)
−1.0  10−6
Electric potential at X due to –1.0 C charge, V2 =
4 0 (2.0)
+2.0  10−6 −1.0  10−6
Hence, resultant potential at X, V = V1 + V2 = + = −1.5  103 V
4 0 (6.0) 4 0 (2.0)
Electric potential energy of the + 3.0 C charge placed at X,
U = qV = ( +3.0  10−6 )( −1.5  103 ) = −4.5  10 −3 J
Example 9
An electron in the vacuum of a cathode ray tube moves from rest at a point where the potential
is − 1400 V to a point where the potential is zero.
(a) Calculate the change in potential energy of the electron.

(b) Determine the gain in kinetic energy of the electron.
(c) Calculate the final speed of the electron.
(a) U = q V
= ( −1.60  10 −19 )(Vf − Vi )
= ( −1.60  10 −19 )(0 − ( −1400))
= −2.24  10 −16 J
The electron loses electric potential energy when it moves from a point of lower potential
(−1400 V) to a point of higher potential (0 V).
(b) By Conservation of Energy,

Gain in KE of electron = loss in electric PE of electron = 2.24  10 −16 J
(c) Gain in KE of electron = 2.24  10 −16 J

1
KEf − KEi = mv 2 − 0
2
= 2.24  10−16
v = 2.22  107 m s−1
(j) Candidates should be able to state that the field strength of the electric field at a point
is numerically equal to the potential gradient at that point.
5.3 Relationship between the electric field strength and the potential gradient
• Consider two points along a field line of electric field E. The work done in bringing a positive
test charge q from point A to B is
W = −Fx
x x E
B A
Fig. 14 A positive test charge moving from point A to B in the direction opposite to that of the
electric field
• Since the work done on the charge is − Fx (see Appendix A), dividing by q throughout,
we have
W Fx
=−
q q
V = −Ex
V
E=−
x
dV
In the limit x → 0 , E=−
dx
dV
• is the potential gradient and can be obtained from the gradient of an electric potential
dx
V against distance x graph.
• The electric field strength E at a point is equal to the negative of the potential gradient at
the same point.
• The negative sign in the equation indicates that the electric potential decreases in the
direction of the electric field E, i.e. the electric potential at point A is lower than the electric
potential at point B.
5.4 Equipotential lines
• An equipotential line is an imaginary line linking up all the points that have the same
potential.
• In the region of an electric field, the equipotential lines are perpendicular to the electric
field lines.
• Moving a charge along an equipotential line does not require any work.
+V 0V
Fig. 15 Equipotential lines (dotted) for point charge and charged parallel plate
Example 10
The figure below shows two vertical plates A and B whose electric potentials are 60.0 V and
–30.0 V respectively.
A P Q B
60.0 V –30.0 V
30.0 cm 30.0 cm 30.0 cm
The plates are 90.0 cm apart. A conductor of thickness 30.0 cm is situated centrally between the
two plates.
On the graph below, sketch the variation of electric potential V with distance x between the two
plates.
V/V
60.0
15.0
0 30 60 90
x / cm
-30.0
On the graph below, sketch the variation of electric field strength E with distance x between the
two plates.
E / V m-1
150
0 30 60 90
x / cm
The thickness of the conductor is increased.

State and explain how the electric field strength in region AP and PQ will change.
When the thickness of the conductor is increased, the potential does not change. The distances
V
AP and QB will decrease. Since E = , the electric field strength in AP and QB will increase.
x
Since PQ is within the conductor, the electric field strength is always zero.
6 Comparison between electric and gravitational fields
(c) Candidates should be able to recognise the analogy between certain qualitative and
quantitative aspects of electric and gravitational fields.
Gravitational field Electric field
Nature of Force is attractive in nature. Force can be attractive or repulsive.

force All masses attract each other. Unlike charges attract, like charges
repel.
Force Newton’s law of gravitation states Coulomb’s law states that the
(Inverse that the magnitude of the magnitude of the electric force
square law) gravitational force between two between two point charges is directly
masses is directly proportional to the proportional to the product of the
product of their masses and charges and inversely proportional
inversely proportional to the square to the square of their distance apart.
of their distance apart. 1 Qq
FE =
Mm
Fg = G 2 4 o r 2
r
Field The gravitational field strength g at a
The electric field strength E at a point
strength point is defined as the gravitational
is defined as the electric force
force exerted per unit mass placedexerted per unit positive charge
at that point. placed at that point.
F F
g= E=
m q
The gravitational field strength due
The electric field strength due to a
to a mass M is point charge Q is
M 1 Q
g =G 2 E=
r 4 o r 2
Potential The gravitational potential energyThe electric potential energy U E of
energy U g of a mass m at a point is defined
a charge q at a point is defined as
as the work done W in bringing it the work done W in bringing it from
from infinity to that point. infinity to that point.
GMm Qq
Ug = − UE =
r 4 o r
(value can be positive or negative
depending on the polarity of the
charges)
Potential The gravitational potential  at a The electric potential V at a point is

point is defined as the work done per defined as the work done per unit
unit mass in bringing a small test positive charge in bringing a small
mass from infinity to that point. test charge from infinity to that point.
W W
= V =
m q
Gravitational field Electric field
The gravitational potential due to a The electric potential due to a point

mass M is charge Q is
GM Q
=− V =
r 4 o r
(value can be positive or negative
depending on the polarity of the
charge Q)
Relationship d dV
between field g=− E=−
dr dr
and potential
Relationship dUg dUE
between Fg = − FE = −
dr dr
force and
potential
energy
Table 1 Comparison between certain qualitative and quantitative aspects of electric and gravitational
fields
References
1 Robert Hutchings, Bath Advanced Science Physics (2nd Edition), Nelson Thornes
2 Loo Kwok Wai, Longman Advanced Level Physics, Pearson
3 Poh Liong Yong, Physics A level, Pan Pacific
4 Douglas C. Giancoli, Physics - principles with applications (6th edition), Prentice Hall
Appendix A
Appendix A
Derivation of electric potential energy of a charge at a point in the electric field
The electric potential energy U of a charge q at a point is defined as the work done W in
bringing the charge q from infinity to that point.
Consider an electric field set up by a positive charge Q. To move a positive test charge q by
a small distance x from point A towards B, an external force Fext. has to act on the charge.
point B point A
Q q
x x
The external force Fext. is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the electric force
(repulsion) FE on the test charge q. Therefore, Fext. = −FE .
Qq Qq
Since FE = , Fext. = − .
4 o x 2
4 o x 2
The work done W by the external force on the charge q is given by  W = Fext. x . So, we
Qq
have W = − x .
4 o x 2
To bring the positive test charge q from A to B, the total work done W by the external force is
Qq rB 1
W =−
4 o rA x 2
dx 
Integrating, we have
r
Qq  1 B
W =− − x 
4 o   rA
Qq  1 1 
W=  − 
4 o  rB rA 
W = UB − UA
If rA =  and rB = r ,
Qq  1 1 
W = −
4 o  r  
Qq
W =
4 o r
Qq
Thus, the electric potential energy U of a charge q placed at a point r from Q will be
4 o r
since U = W .

2024 Electric Fields Lecture Notes (Teachers)

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JURONG PIONEER JUNIOR COLLEGE

1. Concept of an electric field

Candidates should be able to:

(a) show an understanding of the concept of an electric field as an example of a field of

(b) represent an electric field by means of field lines.

(g) calculate the forces on charges in uniform electric fields.

1 Concept of an electric field

1.1 Electric field

• The electric field is set up by a positively or negatively charged object.

1.2 Electric field lines

Fig. 1b Electric field lines of an isolated positive point charge + Q

Fig. 2b Electric field lines of an isolated negative point charge − Q

c. In the direction of an electric field line, the electric potential V is decreasing.

h. No electric field exists inside a hollow or solid conductor.

1.2.2 Patterns of electric field lines for different arrangements of charges

(a) Single positive charge (b) Single negative charge

(c) Two like charges (d) Two unlike charges

2 Electric force between point charges

2.1 Coulomb’s law

• By convention, the equation is usually written as

Fig. 4 Forces of repulsion between two like charges

Fig. 5 Forces of attraction between two unlike charges

The electric force is 1.6  10 −4 N and is attractive in nature.

3.1 Electric field strength

where F is the electric force of repulsion exerted on the test charge q

• Substituting F into the equation,

Fig. 6 Electric field strength at point B due to a positive point charge + Q

• Substituting F' into the equation,

Fig. 7 Electric field strength at point B due to a negative point charge − Q

Resolving vectors vertically, ER,y = 0.

Show that the mass of P is smaller than that of Q.

4.1 Electric field between two charged parallel plates

positively charged plate

negatively charged plate

Fig. 9 Uniform electric field between two charged parallel plates

4.2 Forces on charges in uniform electric fields

• Usually the weight of a point charge is considered to be negligible as compared to the

When potential difference is 2V,

By Newton’s 2nd Law,

• For a charge q (projected with a horizontal speed v ) moving perpendicularly to the

Horizontally, taking rightwards as positive, since Fx = 0, ax = 0,

The electron is within the electric field for a duration of t, given by

Vertically, taking upwards as positive,

= (3.7  107 )2 + (4.36  106 )2

5.1 Electric potential energy of a point charge

The electric potential energy, U of a charge q at a point in an electric field created by

• Note that the work done is by an external agent.

• The electric potential energy of any charged particle is zero at infinity.

• W may be positive or negative, depending on whether electric potential energy is gained

5.2 Electric potential of a point charge

The electric potential V at a point in an electric field is defined as the

(a) Calculate the change in potential energy of the electron.

(b) By Conservation of Energy,

(c) Gain in KE of electron = 2.24  10 −16 J

5.4 Equipotential lines

30.0 cm 30.0 cm 30.0 cm

The thickness of the conductor is increased.

Gravitational field Electric field

Nature of Force is attractive in nature. Force can be attractive or repulsive.

Potential The gravitational potential  at a The electric potential V at a point is

The gravitational potential due to a The electric potential due to a point

2 Loo Kwok Wai, Longman Advanced Level Physics, Pearson

3 Poh Liong Yong, Physics A level, Pan Pacific

Derivation of electric potential energy of a charge at a point in the electric field