16.2 Electric potential around a point charge At any point around a point charge, the electric potential is given by: where According to the above formula, the electric potential at infinity (r = ) is zero. q r V = ? q: the point charge (C) r: the distance between the charge and the point (m)
Remarks about Electric potential around a point charge Signs are counted in calculations. Electric potential around a positive charge is positive and around a negative charge is negative. Electric potential around a point charge is inversely proportional to the distance.
Remarks about Electric potential around a point charge All the previous formulae of electric potential and electric potential difference could be applied when ever needed ∆V = Vf – Vi W = - ∆PE W = - ∆V q
Examples on electric potential around a point charge Determine the electric potential at a point, 2 m from a point charge of -10 C? Answer: Given: q = -10 C = -10 x 10-6 C r = 2 m
Examples on electric potential around a point charge How much work is needed to move a charge of -5 nC from infinity to a point which is 200 mm from a positive point charge of 6 C. Answer: Given: qo = -5 nC = -5 x 10-9 C q = 6 C = 6 x 10-6 C r = 200 mm = 200 x 10-3 m W = -qo ∆V =- (-5 x 10-9 (Vf – Vi)) (Vi = 0 at infinity, Vf is at point) W = `5 x 10-9 (2.7 X 105 – 0) = 1.35 x 10-3 J
Electric potential at a point with multiple point charges around it q1 q2 q3 r1 r2 r3 Vtotal = ? To find the electric potential at a point with multiple point charges around it: - We find the electric potential at the point for each charge individually. - we add the individual electric potential algebraically (take signs in account). Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3 + ………..
Examples on electric potential around a point charge The two charges in the opposite Figure are separated by a distance of 2 cm. Calculate the total electric potential at point B which is the midpoint between the two charges. Answer: At point B there are two electric potentials due to the two charges. So Vtotal = V1 + V2 Vtotal = Vtotal = Vtotal = 10800 V