Dr.

Iyad SAADEDDIN
Chapter 24: Electric Potential 24-2: Electric Potential Energy
„ When an electrostatic force acts between two or more charged
„ Electric potential Energy and Electric potential particles within a system of particles, we can assign an electric
„ Calculating the E-potential from E-field for different potential energy U to the system.
charge distributions „ If the system changes its configuration from an initial state i to a
different final state f Æ does work W on the particles
„ Calculating the E-field from E-potential „ But is a conservative force Î work (W) depends on the end
points (i and f) and not on the path.
„ Potential of a charged isolated conductor „ As for other conservative forces, the work W done by electrostatic
force results in change of potential energy (∆U) of the system

or we can write

24-1: What is physics 24-2: Electric Potential Energy

Wc = -∆U If we assume that the particle moved from infinity (taken as reference
„ Conservative force Construct potential energy where Ui=0) to a final position within an E-field of other charged
like particle or particles (where Uf = U) Æ work done by the electrostatic
forces F between the particles during the move in from infinity is
Gravitational force U = mgh W∞ = −∆U = U i − U f = −U or simply W∞ = −U
1 Example: Near Earth’s surface the E-field has the magnitude E = 150
Spring elastic force U = kx 2
2 N/C and is directed downward. What is the change in the electric
„ Other example potential energy of a released electron when the electrostatic force
We also can construct a causes it to move vertically upward through a distance d = 520 m
experimentally discovered
potential energy Æ work done r r r r
by physicists and engineers
by the electric conservative ∆U = −W = − F .d = − qE.d = − qEd cos θ
is Electrical force (Fe)
force Wc = WFe= -∆U. ⇒ ∆U = − qEd cos180°
„ Once we have potential energy we can apply principle of
conservation of mechanical energy (∆Emech = ∆K + ∆U = 0 ) for closed
= −(−1.6 ×10 −19 )(150)(520)(−1) = −1.2 × 10 −14 J
system involving the force and work energy theorem (W = ∆K) during the 520 m ascent, U of the electron decreases by 1.2×10-14 J
 24-3: Electric Potential: work done by
24-3: Electric Potential applied force
„ Work or ∆U, is dependent on the magnitude of the charge, q. „ If a particle of charge q is moved from point i to point f in an
„ We can define a quantity independent of the charge and only electric field by applying a force to it, the applied force does work
has an attribute of the electric field Wapp on the charge while the electric field (electrostatic force) does
„ We can define the potential energy per unit charge at a point in work W on it Î
an electric field is called the electric potential V (or simply the
potential) at that point Æ and since
Scalar quantity

„ Between any two points i and f in an E-field, the potential Work done by applied force
difference ∆V is:
and Work done by E-field or E-force

Note that ∆U or Wapp can be positive, negative, or zero depending

on the signs and magnitudes of q and V.
(∆V between two points in
With ∆U = -W Î
an E-field)

24-3: Electric Potential 24-4: Equipotential Surfaces

Setting Ui = 0 at infinity Î Vi = 0 , Hence final potential Vf = V is:
„ If a particle of charge q is moved between adjacent points (i and f)
(Potential at some point in an E-field) that have same potential (Vi = Vf ) Î no work is done by the E-field
or applied force to move this particle (∆V = 0 Æ W = Wapp = 0 for
The SI unit for potential is volt (V) where V =J C any path taken; since ∆U and hence ∆V depends on end points).
„ This unit allow us to express the E-field in an other unit (V/m);
Energy is unit is J = N ⋅m ⇒ N = J / m
„ Such adjacent points of same electric potential forms what is
and Potential unit is V = J / C ⇒ C = J / V called Equipotential Surface.
By unit conversion N ⎛ C ⎞⎛ J / m ⎞
Æ Electric Field units N C= ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ =V m
C ⎝ J / V ⎠⎝ N ⎠ „ Equipotential surface can be either an imaginary surface or a real,
„ The Electron-Volt (
1 eV = e (1V ) = 1.6 ×10 −19
)
C (1 J C ) = 1.6 ×10 −19
J
physical surface

Î work or energy can be expressed in units of eV (unit of energy)

 24-4: Equipotential Surfaces 24-5: Calculating the potential from the field
„ A family of equipotential surfaces (of potentials V1, V2, V3, and V4) „ the potential between two points i and f can be calculated if we
associated with the electric field due to some distribution of know along the path between the two points.
charges is show below. „ consider the following arbitrary path for test charge q0 in Æ
The work done by the E-field wile moving
charged particle of charge q is: The work dW done by electrostatic
„ For path I Æ W = 0 (∆V = 0)
force during a displacement is

„ For path II Æ W = 0 (∆V = 0)

100 V „ For path III Æ W = - q∆V = - q (V2-V1) integrating
= -q (80-100) = 20 q
80 V but
„For path IV Æ W = -q∆V = - q (V2-V1)
60 V = -q (80-100) = 20 q
thus
40 V „ For the paths III and IV;

If q is +ve Æ W is +ve This is the potential V at

If we set Vi = 0 and Vf = V Æ any point f relative to the
and If q is –ve Æ W is -ve zero potential at infinity.

24-5: Calculating the potential from the field:

24-4: Equipotential Surfaces Example
„ Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to electric field two points i and f separated by a distance d in a uniform electric
lines and thus to perpendicular to . Field. Find the potential difference Vf -Vi by moving a positive test
„ Æ We can have a series of surfaces (as shown) perpendicular to charge q0 from i to f a) along the path if (parallel to the field
and each surface has same potential as shown direction) and b) along the path icf shown.
„ For different E-field configurations, we will have different
equipotential surface configurations as shown

E-field always
directed from
higher potential
to lower potential
Î Vi > Vf

Uniform Field Point Charge Electric Dipole

 24-5: Calculating the potential from the field: 24-5: Calculating the potential from the field:
Example Example
a) along the path if (parallel to the field direction) Ex: Motion of a Proton in a Uniform Electric Field.
A proton released from rest, it undergo a displacement of 0.5 m in the
direction of E-field as shown. Find a) ∆V and ∆U between A and B,
a) along the path icf b) the speed of the proton at point B
a)

0 because ┴ (or both

i and c have same potential)
s is the length of the line cf

with sin 45° = cos 45° = d/s Î

As expected, same result as in (a) because the potential difference does not
depend on the path

24-5: Calculating the potential from the field: 24-5: Calculating the potential from the field:
Example Example – continued from previous
Ex: Two conducting parallel plates separated by 0.3 cm, connected to Ex: Motion of a Proton in a Uniform Electric Field.
a 12V battery. Calculate the E-field magnitude between the plates
b) the speed of the proton at point B

E between two plates is uniform (constant)

b)
⇒ ∆V = − Ed
∆V 12 V
⇒E= =
d 0.3 × 10 − 2 m
E = 4 ×103 V / m
 24-7: Potential due to a group of point
24-6: Potential due to a point charge charge
„ To calculate the potential at some point P that lies „ For two or more point charges, the electric potential at point P can be
distance r from a positive charge q. consider we move a obtained by applying the superposition principle
particle of charge q0 from point P (of potential V) to qi
infinity (of potential V = 0) along radial direction as V = ∑ Vi = k ∑ Where ri is the distance
shown (simplest path) Î ∞ r i ri from point P to charge qi
r
V f − Vi = 0 − V = − ∫ E.ds „ For example: the electric potential at
r
r r q P fot the charges shown is
but E.ds = Eds = Edr = k 2 dr r = r1 = r2 = r3 = r4 = d / 2 = 0.919m 1.3 m
r
∞ ∞ 4
q1 q2 q3 q4
dr ⎡ 1⎤ q ⇒ V = ∑ Vi = k ( + + + )
⇒ 0 − V = − ∫ Edr = − ∫ kq 2 = −kq ⎢− ⎥ = −k i =1 r1 r2 r3 r4
r
r ⎣ r ⎦ r r
q1 + q2 + q3 + q4
q potential V due to point =k
⇒V = k r
r charge q at radial distance r −9
9 36 × 10
= 8.99 ×10 ≈ 350 V
Also If q is +ve Æ V is positive and if q is –ve Æ V is -ve 0.919

24-6: Potential due to a point charge:

Example 24-8: Potential Due to the Electric Dipole
For the given insulating sphere of total charge Q, Find the E-potential At P located distance r from dipole center, the positive
at points B, C, and D point charge (at distance r(+)) sets up potential V(+) and
Q Like for point
at r > R VB = k charge the negative point charge (at distance r(-)) sets up
r potential V(-).Then the net potential at P is:
Same followed for C at Q
distance R (r = R) from center VC = k
R
at r < R We can use the E-field to calculate VD

kQ
but E = r inside a charged solid sphere of with
R3 continuous charge distribution
r
∆V = VD − VC = − ∫ Edr =
kQ 2 2
2 R 3
( )
R − r ⇒ VD =
kQ 2 2
2 R3
(
R − r + VC ) Æ
R

kQ ⎛ r2 ⎞
VD = ⎜⎜ 3 − 2 ⎟⎟ or
2R ⎝ R ⎠
 24-9: Potential Due to a Continuous Charge 24-9: Potential Due to a Continuous Charge
Distribution Distribution: charged disc
Consider a charge distributed continuously on an extended object For the uniformly charged disk of radius R and surface charge density σ.
Find the electric potential at a point P located at a distance z along the
The potential at some point P perpendicular central z-axis of the disk
due to element charge dq is. For the element charge dq = σdA= σ 2πR’dR’ we have

dq
dV = k
r
Total potential for the disc at P is From integral
Î The total potential due to tables
the charged object is

dq
V = k∫
r
Remember
charge densities

24-9: Potential Due to a Continuous Charge

Distribution: Line of charges 24-9: Calculating the Field From the Potential
A rod of length L located along the x axis has a total charge q and a B r r r r
uniform linear charge density λ. Find the electric potential at a point P
located on the y axis a distance d from the origin
∫
ƒ The potential is defined by V = − E.ds
A
⇒ dV = − E.ds
For the element charge
dq = λdL= λdx we have dV
E dV = − E x dx ⇒ E x = −
Total potential for the rod at P is dx
For E-field in x-direction

dV
dV = − Er dr ⇒ Er = −
dr
E
From integral tables
For E-field in radial-direction
 24-9: Calculating the Field From the Potential:
24-9: Calculating the Field From the Potential Example – Continued from previous slide
ƒ In general, For E-field in three dimensions (Cartesian coordinates) c) Calculate V and Ex if point P is located anywhere between the two
r r charges
E = E xiˆ + E y ˆj + E z kˆ and ds = dxiˆ + dyˆj + dzkˆ
⇒ dV = −( E x dx + E y dy + E z dz )
∂V ∂V ∂V
Ex = − Ey = − Ez = −
∂x ∂y ∂z
Ex: find Ex, Ey, and Ez

∂V ∂V
Ex = − = −6 xy Ey = − = −(3x 2 + 2 y + z )
∂x ∂y
∂V Note that at x = 0 Æ V = 0 and
Ez = − = −y
∂z

24-9: Calculating the Field From the Potential: 24-9: Calculating the field From the Potential:
Example Example
Ex: An electric dipole, along x-axis, centered at the origin and separated by a Calculate the E-field at a point P located at a distance z along the
distance 2a. Calculate a) electric potential at point P, b) Calculate V and Ex at perpendicular central z-axis of a disk of radius R and has charge
a point far (x >> a) from the dipole, and c) Calculate V and Ex if point P is density σ.
located anywhere between the two charges
The electric potential at any point on the central axis of a
a) Assume P is located at distance x from the origin Î uniformly charged disk was found before

The E-potential at z is

b) for x >> a ⇒ x 2 − a 2 ≈ x 2
(Note that V and
and E are zero at x =
infinity)
 24-10 : Electric Potential Energy of a System 24-10 : Electric Potential Energy of a System
of point charges of point charges: Example
„ The electric potential energy of a system of fixed point charges is Ex: for the charges shown, a) find the total potential at P, b) if
equal to the work that must be done by an external agent to assemble charge q3 is bring to point P (from infinity), find the change in it’s
the system, bringing each charge in from an infinite distance. potential energy, c) the total potential energy of the system
a)
ƒ If we have a charge q2Æ qi
potential at P located at r12 is VP = ∑ Vi = k ∑ q2
i ri
„ If we bring (from infinity by external r2 = 4 2 + 32 = 5
q q
agent) an other charge q1 and place it at ⇒ VP = k ( 1 + 2 )
point P Æ work needed is W = q1V2 r1 r2 q1
r1
Î the potential energy of the
system can be expressed as

24-10 : Electric Potential Energy of a System 24-10 : Electric Potential Energy of a System
of point charges of point charges: Example – continued
ƒ for system of more than two charged particles Æwe obtain the Ex: for the charges shown, a) find the total potential at P, b) if
total potential energy of the system by calculating U for every pair charge q3 is bring to point P (from infinity), find the change in it’s
of charges and summing the terms algebraically potential energy, c) the total potential energy of the system
b)
(Ui = 0 at ∞) q2

r2 = 4 2 + 32 = 5

q1
c)
r1
24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated 24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated
Conductor Conductor
„ For conductor in electrostatic equilibrium, if we „ Î For charge conducting sphere of charge
consider two points A and B on the surface Q (the figure)
Î E-field ┴ to the path connecting the two points on
a) E-potential at the surface is and is
the surface (since E is ┴ to surface) Î
equal to potential inside the sphere
b) Outside the sphere, the E-potential is
decreasing with r
hence
c) On the other hand, the E-field inside the
conductor = 0, But out side the conductor it
Î VA= VB is
Î The surface of the conductor is an
equipotential surface (all the surface has
the same E-potential)

24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated 24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated

Conductor Conductor
„ If we consider two points, A on the surface Î Properties For conductor in electrostatic equilibrium
and B inside the conductor Î „ E-field inside the conductor is zero.
Since Einside= 0 „ Charges always reside at the outer surface of the conductor.
„ The field lines are always perpendicular to surface.
hence
„ Charge density is highest at smallest radius of curvature.
„ The surface is an equipotential surface (all surface has same
Î VA = VB = V at the surface
E-potential).
Î The E-potential is constant every where
„ Inside the conductor, the potential V is constant and equal to
inside the condcutor and equals to the
potential on the surface the surface value.
 24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated
Conductor Summary
„ Ex: Two spherical conductors, in equilibrium, are connected by a „ Electric potential is the electric potential
conducting wire as shown in Figure. Find the ratio of the magnitudes energy per unit charge.
of the electric fields at the surfaces of the spheres.
„ E-Potential is related to the electric field.
Since spheres are connected by a conducting
wires Î they have same E-potential „ All points inside a conductor are at the
same potential.

But

24-11 : Potential of a Charged Isolated

Conductor
ƒ Cavity within a conductor: for to points (A and B) on a
conductor with cavity, if we take and path between the two
points through the cavity B
VB − V A = − ∫ E.ds = 0
A

since ∆V=0 for all paths,

Î E-field everywhere in the cavity must be

zero