Electric potential and electric field

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between potential and electric field, and the concept of potential difference. It also mentions the idea of doing work to move a charge in the direction of a field. The participants suggest looking up the relationship between potential and field and encourage independent research. They also mention the reliability of mathematical calculations in this context.
  • #1
oreo
81
2
The potential is constant throughout a given region of space.Is electrical field zero or non-zero?
 
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  • #2
Have you looked up the relationship between Potential and Field? What does it tell you? What does Potential Difference mean?
Would you need to do work (or get it out) to move a charge in the direction of a field? This is all good old book work and it would be better for you to look it up for yourself.
 
  • #3
Tell us what you think, and why, and someone will be glad to correct you if necessary.
 
  • #4
jtbell said:
Tell us what you think, and why, and someone will be glad to correct you if necessary.
I think that it would be zero because E=delta V / delta d. As V is constant therefore delta V =0
 
  • #5
You should have more confidence. Did it seem too good to be true? :)
There are not many occasions where the Maths gives you the wrong answer. (It's probably more reliable than some old loony, answering you on PF.)
 

Related to Electric potential and electric field

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and is a scalar quantity.

2. How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy of a charge at a specific point in an electric field, while electric field is a measure of the force exerted on a charge by an electric field at a specific point. Electric potential is a scalar quantity, while electric field is a vector quantity.

3. What is the relationship between electric potential and electric field?

The electric field is the negative gradient of electric potential. In other words, the electric field is the rate of change of electric potential with respect to distance. Mathematically, this can be expressed as E = -∇V, where E is the electric field, V is the electric potential, and ∇ is the gradient operator.

4. How is electric potential calculated?

Electric potential can be calculated using the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge. This equation is for a point charge, but for more complex situations, the electric potential can be calculated using integration.

5. What is the unit of electric potential?

The unit of electric potential is the volt (V), which is equivalent to joules per coulomb (J/C). Other common units include electronvolts (eV) and kilovolts (kV).

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