Chapter:2 : Electric Potential

Electric potential(E.P.)
amount of work done in bringing a unit positive test charge, from infinity to that point
along any arbitrary path (infinity is point of zero potential) is called electric potential
𝑊
of that point. Electric potential is a scalar quantity, it is denoted by V; 𝑉 =
𝑞𝟎
𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝟏
S. I. unit : = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡 C.G.S. unit : Stat volt (e.s.u.); 1 volt = Stat volt
𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏 𝟑𝟎𝟎
Dimension : [𝑉] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −3 𝐴−1 ]
Potential difference
In an electric field potential difference between two points A and B is defined as equal to
the Q
r
P A
∞
dx
x

amount of work done (by external agent) in moving a unit positive charge from point
A to point B is called potential difference. i.e.,
𝑊 𝑊
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = = 𝐴𝐵
𝑞0 𝑞0
Let the work done to move a test charge q from infinity to a point P which is at distance r
from the charge Q. Then work done in moving ‘dx’ distance is-
→ → 𝑸𝒒
𝒅𝒘 = 𝑭. 𝒅𝒙 = 𝑭. 𝒅𝒙 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 = 𝒌 𝟐 . 𝒅𝒙 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽
𝒙
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒘 = −𝒌𝑸𝒒 𝟐 as Ɵ=180 degree
𝒙
The net work done in moving from infinity to point r
𝒓
𝒅𝒙 𝒓 𝒓
𝒅𝒙 𝟏𝒓 𝟏
𝒘 = ∫ 𝒅𝒘 = − ∫ 𝒌𝑸𝒒 𝟐 = −𝒌𝑸𝒒 ∫ 𝟐 = −𝒌𝑸𝒒 [− ] = −𝒌𝑸𝒒 [− ]
∞ ∞ 𝒙 ∞ 𝒙 𝒙∞ 𝒙
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝑸𝒒
= 𝒌𝑸𝒒 [ − ] = 𝒌𝑸𝒒. =
𝒓 ∞ 𝒓 𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓 V
𝒘 𝑸 𝟏 𝑸
Hence V=W/q 𝑽= =𝒌 = 𝟏
𝒒 𝒓 𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓

Graph for V vs Distance: 𝒓

Potential decrease as distance increases.

E. P. due to dipole r

2l
(1) At axial point : +Q
E p E+
-
Electric field and –Q
r

potential are given

r+l
as
𝑄 𝑄
𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑉+ + 𝑉− = 𝑘 [ + ]
(𝑟 − 𝑙) (𝑟 + 𝑙)
𝑄 𝑄 1 1
1

⇒ 𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘 [ + ] = 𝑘𝑄 [ − ]
(𝑟 − 𝑙) (𝑟 + 𝑙) (𝑟 − 𝑙) (𝑟 + 𝑙)
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
𝑟+𝑙−𝑟+𝑙
(𝑟 + 𝑙) − (𝑟 − 𝑙) 2𝑙
𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘𝑄 [ ] = 𝑘𝑄 [ (𝑟 2 − 𝑙 2 ) ] ⇒ 𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘𝑄 [ 2 ]
(𝑟 − 𝑙)(𝑟 + 𝑙) (𝑟 − 𝑙 2 )
2𝑄𝑙
=𝑘
(𝑟 2 − 𝑙 2 )
1 𝑝 2 2
𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 r>>l r -l  𝑟 2
(ii)At equatorial point : At equatorial position 𝐶

The net potential is

𝑄 𝑄 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑦
𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑉+ + 𝑉− = 𝑘 [ + ] 𝑦
𝐴𝐶 𝐵𝐶 = ඥ𝑟 2 + 𝑙 2
𝑄 𝑄 r

𝑉𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘 [ − ] = 0 
𝑦 𝑦 +q
–q
2l
So at equatorial position net potential will be zero. 𝐴 𝐵

E. P. due to system of charges

Consider P is a point at which net electric potential is to be determined due to several
charges. So net potential at P due to different charges 𝑄1, 𝑄2, ,𝑄3, … .. At point P is
𝐾𝑄1 𝐾𝑄2 𝐾𝑄3
𝑉1 = , 𝑉2 = , 𝑉3 = ,
𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟3

V= 𝑉1 + 𝑉1 + 𝑉1 +…..
𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄3 (−𝑄4 )
𝑉=𝑘 +𝑘 +𝑘 +𝑘 +.. ,
𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟3 𝑟4

𝑘𝑄𝑖
In general 𝑉 = ∑𝑋𝑖=1
𝑟𝑖

Electric potential due to thin spherical shell:

Lets consider a hollow sphere of radius ‘R’ on which charge ‘Q’ is uniformly
distributed. So
(i) Outside the sphere(r>R)
𝑑𝑉
As we know 𝐸 = − ⇒ 𝑑𝑉 = −𝐸. 𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑟

Hence 𝑉 = ∫ 𝑑𝑉
𝜎𝑅2 𝜎𝑅2 1
= − ∫ 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ . 𝑑𝑟 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = − ∫ 2 . 𝑑𝑟
𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝜀0 𝑟
𝜎𝑅2 1
=− [− ]
𝜀0 𝑟
2
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
2
𝜎𝑅 1 𝜎4𝜋𝑅2 1 𝑄
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = = . = .
𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟

(ii) At the surface of sphere:

1 𝑄 1 𝑄𝑅
𝑉𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = . =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅2
1 𝑄 𝜎𝑅
= =
𝜀0 4𝜋𝑅2 𝜀0

(iii) Inside the surface of sphere:

As we know electric field inside the shell is
zero(E=0). Means

𝑉 = − ∫ 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 0. 𝑑𝑟 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑉𝑖𝑛 = constant = 𝑉𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒

Graphs for potential Vs distance:

Uniformly charged non-conducting sphere: Charge Q is uniformly

distributed in the volume of a non-conducting sphare of radius R
(i)Outside the sphere :
𝑑𝑉 +Q +Q
As we know 𝐸 = − ⇒ +Q P
𝑑𝑟 +
+ + + + + + + +
P +
𝑑𝑉 = −𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 + + r + + + r + +
r
+ + + + + + P +
+ + +
+ +
Hence R + + + R
+ + +
+
R +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + +
+ + + +
𝑉 = ∫ 𝑑𝑉 + +

(A) Outside (B) At the surface (C) Inside

𝜎𝑅2
= − ∫ 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ . 𝑑𝑟
𝜀0 𝑟 2
3
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
2
𝜎𝑅 1 𝜎𝑅2 1
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 =− ∫ 2 . 𝑑𝑟 = − [− ]
𝜀0 𝑟 𝜀0 𝑟
𝜎𝑅2 1 𝜎4𝜋𝑅2 1 𝑄
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = = . = .
𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1 𝑄
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Work done in rotation of a dipole : Suppose initially, dipole is kept in
a uniform electric field at an angle 1. Now
to turn it through an angle 2 (with the +q
 +q
field).Small Work done 2


𝑑𝑊 = 𝜏. 𝑑𝜃 1

𝜃2 𝜃2
–q
𝑊 = ∫ 𝜏. 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝑝𝐸 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 . 𝑑𝜃 ⇒ 𝑊 –q
𝜃1 𝜃1
𝜃2
Fig. 18.42
= 𝑝𝐸 ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 . 𝑑𝜃
𝜃1
𝜃
𝑊= 𝑝𝐸[− 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃]𝜃21 ⇒ 𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸(𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃2 )
If 1 = 0o and 2 =  i.e. initially dipole is kept
along the field then it turn through  so work done 𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)
Potential energy stored in rotation of dipole : It is defined as work
done in rotating a dipole from a direction perpendicular to the field to
the given direction, i.e. from above formula of work.
If 1 = 90o and 2 =   W = 𝑈 = −𝑝𝐸 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
Angle  = 0o  = 90O  = 180o
→ →
p
Diagram → →
E
E E →
p
→
p

Nature Stable equilibrium Neutral equilibrium Unstable equilibrium

Torque =0 max = pE =0
Work W=0 W = pE Wmax = 2pE
done
P.E. Umin = – pE U=0 Umax = pE

Equilibrium of dipole : When  = 0o i.e. dipole is placed along the

electric field it is said to be in stable equilibrium, because after turning
it through a small angle, dipole tries to align itself again in the
direction of electric field.
4
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
When  = 180 i.e. dipole is placed opposite to electric field, it is said
o

to be in unstable equilibrium.

Potential Due to Concentric Spheres

(1) If two concentric conducting shells of radii r1 and r2(r2 > r1)
carrying uniformly distributed charges Q1 and Q 2

Q 1

Q2 respectively. Potential at the surface of each

shell r 2

1 𝑄1 1 𝑄2 1 𝑄1 1 𝑄2
𝑉1 = . + . 𝑉2 = . + . r1
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2

(2) The figure shows three conducting concentric shell

of radii a, b and c (a < b < c) having charges Qa, Qb and Fig. 18.30

Qc respectively
1 𝑄𝑎 𝑄𝑏 𝑄𝑐 Qc
Potential at A; 𝑉𝐴 = [ + + ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 Qb
1 𝑄𝑎 𝑄𝑏 𝑄𝑐 Qa
Potential at B; 𝑉𝐵 = [ + + ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 𝑏 𝑐 c
A
a B
1 𝑄𝑎 𝑄𝑏 𝑄𝑐 b
Potential at C; 𝑉𝐶 = [ + + ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

(3) The figure shows two concentric spheres

having radii r1 and r2 respectively (r2 > r1). If charge Fig. 18.31

on inner sphere is +Q and outer sphere is earthed

+Q
then Q
r2
(i) Potential at the surface of outer sphere
1 𝑄 1 𝑄′ r1
𝑉2 = . + . = 0  𝑄′ = −𝑄
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2

(ii) Potential of the inner sphere

1 𝑄 1 (−𝑄) 𝑄 1 1 Fig. 18.32
𝑉1 = . + = [ − ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 𝑟2
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
(4) In the above case if outer sphere is given a charge +Q and inner
sphere is earthed then r +Q 2

(i) In this case potential at the surface of inner

r1
sphere is zero,
so if 𝑄′ is the charge induced on inner sphere
1 𝑄′ 𝑄 𝑟1
then 𝑉1 = [ + ]=0 i.e., 𝑄′ = − 𝑄
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟2 Fig. 18.33

(Charge on inner sphere is less than that of the

outer sphere.)
(ii) Potential at the surface of outer sphere
1 𝑄′ 1 𝑄 1 𝑟1 𝑄 𝑟
𝑉2 = . + . 𝑉2 = [−𝑄 + 𝑄] = [1 − 1]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 𝑟2

Relation between Electric Field and Potential:

(1) In an electric field rate of change of potential with distance is known
as potential gradient.
(2) Potential gradient is a vector quantity and it’s direction is opposite
to that of electric field.
(3) Potential gradient relates with electric field according to the
𝑑𝑉
following relation𝐸 = − ; This relation gives another unit of electric
𝑑𝑟
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡
field is .
𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
(4) In the above relation negative sign indicates that in the direction
of electric field potential decreases.
(5) Negative of the slope of the V-r graph denotes intensity of electric
𝑉
field i.e. 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = = −𝐸
𝑟
(6) In space around a charge distribution we can also write
𝐸⃗ = 𝐸𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝐸𝑦 𝑗̂ + 𝐸𝑧 𝑘̂
𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
where 𝐸𝑥 = − , 𝐸𝑦 = − and 𝐸𝑧 = −
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑑𝑉
(7) With the help of formula 𝐸 = − , potential difference between any
𝑑𝑟
two points in an electric field can be determined by knowing the
𝑟 → → 𝑟
boundary conditions 𝑑𝑉 = − ∫𝑟 2 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫𝑟 2 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
1 1
6
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
Equipotential Surface:
For a given charge distribution, locus of all points having same
potential is called “equipotential surface” regarding equipotential
surface following points should keep in mind :
(1) The density of the equipotential lines gives an idea about the
magnitude of electric field. Higher the density larger the field
strength.
(2) The direction of electric field is perpendicular to the
equipotential surfaces or lines.
(3) The equipotential surfaces produced by a point charge or a
spherically charge distribution are a family of concentric
spheres.
(4) For a uniform electric field, the equipotential surfaces are a
family of plane perpendicular to the field lines.
(5) A metallic surface of any shape is an equipotential surface.
(6) Equipotential surfaces can never cross each other
(7) The work done in moving a charge along an equipotential
surface is always zero.

V = V2
V1 V2 V3 V4 V5

V = V1

Equipotential
Spherical E.P.S. V 1 > V2 > V3 > V4 > V5 surface

For a point charge

Fig. 18.34

Equilibrium of Charges:
A charge is said to be in equilibrium, if net force acting on it is zero. A
system of charges is said to be in equilibrium if each charge is
7

separately in equilibrium.
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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
Type of equilibrium : Equilibrium can be divided in following type:
(i) Stable equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from it's
equilibrium position, if it returns back then it is said to be in stable
equilibrium. If U is the potential energy then in case of stable
𝑑2𝑈
equilibrium is positive i.e., U is minimum.
𝑑𝑥 2
(ii) Unstable equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from
it's equilibrium position, if it never returns back then it is said to be in
𝑑2𝑈
unstable equilibrium and in unstable equilibrium is negative i.e., U
𝑑𝑥 2
is maximum.
(iii) Neutral equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from it's
equilibrium position if it neither comes back, nor moves away but
remains in the position in which it was kept it is said to be in neutral
𝑑2𝑈
equilibrium and in neutral equilibrium is zero i.e., U is constant
𝑑𝑥 2

Neutral Point and Zero Potential

A neutral point is a point where resultant electrical field is zero.
(1) Neutral point Due to a system of two like point charge :
For this case neutral point is obtained at an N
Q 1 Q2
internal point along the line joining two like
charges. x x 1 2

If N is the neutral point at a distance𝑥1 from 𝑄1

x
and at a distance 𝑥2 (= 𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) from 𝑄2 then Fig. 18.53

At N |E.F. due to Q1| = |E.F. due to Q2|

1 𝑄1 1 𝑄2 𝑄1 𝑥 2 𝑥 𝑄 𝑥 𝑄
i.e., . = .  = ( 1)  1 = √ 1  (𝑥−𝑥1 ) = √ 1
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑥12 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑥22 𝑄2 𝑥2 𝑥 2 𝑄 2 𝑄 1 2
𝑄
𝑥√ 1
𝑄1 𝑄1 𝑄1 𝑄1 𝑄2
𝑥1 = 𝑥 √𝑄 − 𝑥1 √𝑄 𝑥1 (1 + √𝑄 ) = 𝑥√𝑄 𝑥1 = 𝑄
2 2 2 2 (1+√ 1 )
𝑄2
𝒙 𝑥
Short Trick : 𝒙𝟏 = and 𝑥2 =
ඥ𝑸𝟐 /𝑸𝟏 +𝟏 ඥ𝑄1 /𝑄2 +1
(2) Neutral point due to a system of two unlike point charge
: For this condition neutral point lies at an external point along the line
joining two unlike charges. Suppose two unlike Q 1

N Q2
charge 𝑄1 and 𝑄2 separated by a distance x from
each other. l
x
Here neutral point lies outside the line joining
Fig. 18.54
two unlike charges and also it lies nearer to
8

charge which is smaller in magnitude.

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 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
If |𝑄𝟏 | < |𝑄𝟐 | then neutral point will be obtained on the side of 𝑄1 ,
𝑥
suppose it is at a distance l from Q1 so 𝑙 =
(ඥ𝑄𝟐 /𝑄𝟏 −1)

(3) Zero potential due to a system of two point charge

(i) If both charges are like then resultant potential is not zero at any
finite point.
(ii) If the charges are unequal and unlike then all such points where
resultant potential is zero lies on a closed curve.
(iii) Along the line joining the two charge, two such points exist, one
lies inside and one lies outside the charges on the line joining the
charges. Both the above points lie nearer the smaller charge.
For internal point: (It is assumed that |𝑄1 | < |𝑄2 |).
𝑄1 𝑄 𝑥 Q1 Q2
At P, = (𝑥−𝑥2  𝑥1 = (𝑄 P
𝑥1 1) 2 /𝑄𝟏 +1)
x1 x2
x
For External point
Fig. 18.55
𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑥
At P, = (𝑥+𝑥  𝑥1 = (𝑄 P
Q1 Q2
𝑥1 1) 2 /𝑄𝟏 −1)
x1
x

Fig. 18.56
Electrostatic Potential Energy
Work done in bringing the given charge from infinity to a point in
the electric field is known as potential energy of the charge. Potential
𝑊
can also be written as potential energy per unit charge. i.e. 𝑉 = =
𝑄
𝑈 𝑘𝑄𝑄′ 𝑘𝑄′
= = .
𝑄 𝑟𝑄 𝑟

Potential energy of a system of two charge

Potential energy of Q1 = Potential energy of Q2 = potential energy of
𝑄1 𝑄2 Q1 Q2
system 𝑈 = 𝑘
𝑟 A B
𝑄1 𝑄2 r
In C.G.S. 𝑈 = Fig. 18.57
𝑟

Potential energy of a system of n charge

𝑘 𝑄𝑖 𝑄𝑗 1
It is given by 𝑈 = ∑𝑛𝑖,𝑗 (𝑘 = 4𝜋𝜀 )
2 𝑟𝑖𝑗 0
𝑖≠𝑗
1
The factor of is applied only with the summation sign because on
2
expanding the summation each pair is counted twice.
𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄3 𝑄1 𝑄3
9

For a system of 3 charges 𝑈 = 𝑘 ( + + )

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𝑟12 𝑟23 𝑟13

 Chapter:2 : Electric Potential
Electrostatic Potential Energy:
Work done in bringing the given charge from infinity to a point in
the electric field is known as potential energy of the charge. Potential
𝑊
can also be written as potential energy per unit charge. i.e. 𝑉 = =
𝑄
𝑈 𝑘𝑄𝑄′ 𝑘𝑄′
= = .
𝑄 𝑟𝑄 𝑟

Potential energy of a system of two charge:

Potential energy of Q1 = Potential energy of Q2 = potential energy of
𝑄1 𝑄2 Q1 Q2
system 𝑈 = 𝑘
𝑟 A B
𝑄1 𝑄2 r
In C.G.S. 𝑈 = Fig. 18.57
𝑟
Potential energy of a system of n charge
𝑘 𝑄𝑖 𝑄𝑗 1
It is given by 𝑈 = ∑𝑛𝑖,𝑗 (𝑘 = 4𝜋𝜀 )
2 𝑟𝑖𝑗 0
𝑖≠𝑗
1
The factor of is applied only with the summation sign because on
2
expanding the summation each pair is counted twice.
𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄3 𝑄1 𝑄3
For a system of 3 charges 𝑈 = 𝑘 ( + + )
𝑟12 𝑟23 𝑟13

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