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Electric Potential Energy in Capacitors
Electric Potential Energy in Capacitors
Energy in
Capacitors
Electric Potential
Electric Potential Energy
Electric Potential Energy
Work done by Coulomb force when q1
moves from a to b:
rb rb k q1q 2
W FE ds 2
dr
ra ra r
rb
rb 1 1
W k q1q 2
ra r 2
dr k q1q 2
r ra
1 1 1 1
W k q1q 2 k q1q 2
rb ra rb ra
Electric potential energy is “just like” gravitational potential
energy.
Except that all matter exerts an attractive gravitational force, but
charged particles exert either attractive or repulsive electrical forces—so
we need to be careful with our signs.
Electric potential is the electric potential energy per unit of
charge.
Electric Potential
U g mgh Here we see the equation for gravitational
potential energy.
gE
A charge will be in the field instead of a mass
W
V Putting it all together!
1 mv2
W K
V 2
q q q
Understanding “Difference”
Let’s say we have a proton placed between
a set of charged plates. If the proton is held
fixed at the positive plate, the ELECTRIC
FIELD will apply a FORCE on the proton
(charge). Since like charges repel, the
proton is considered to have a high
potential (voltage) similar to being above
the ground. It moves towards the negative
plate or low potential (voltage). The plates
are charged using a battery source where
one side is positive and the other is
negative. The positive side is at 9V, for
example, and the negative side is at 0V. So
basically the charge travels through a
“change in voltage” much like a falling
mass experiences a “change in height.
(Note: The electron does the opposite)
W is Electric Potential Energy (Joules)
is not
V is Electric Potential (Joules/Coulomb)
a.k.a Voltage, Potential Difference
Example
A pair of oppositely charged, parallel plates are separated by
5.33 mm. A potential difference of 600 V exists between the
plates. (a) What is the magnitude of the electric field strength
between the plates? (b) What is the magnitude of the force
on an electron between the plates?
d 0.00533m V Ed
V 600V 600 E (0.0053) Fe Fe
E
E ? E 113,207.55 N/C q 1.6 x10 19 C
qe 1.6 x10 19 C Fe 1.81x10 N
-14
Things to remember about electric potential:
r
q1 q1 q2
q1q 2
U 0 U k
r
before after
To find the electric potential energy for a system of three
charges, we bring a third charge in from an infinite distance
away:
r12 r12
q1 q2
q1 q2
r13 r23
q3
before after
q1q 2 q1q 2 q1q3 q 2q3
U k U k
r12 r12 r13 r23
Example: a 1 C point charge is located at the origin and a -4
C point charge 4 meters along the +x axis. Calculate the
electric potential at a point P, 3 meters along the +y axis.
y
qi q1 q 2
VP = k = k +
i ri r1 r2
P
9 1×10-6 -4×10-6
3m = 9×10 +
3 5
x
= - 4.2×103 V
q1 4m q2
Capacitors and Dielectrics