Electric Potential and Energy Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electric potential, energy, and fields as discussed in the lecture.

What is electric potential energy defined as?

Electric potential energy per unit charge.

What is the equation for gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is given by n × g × h, where n is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

How is electric field defined?

Electric field is defined as the force per unit charge.

What happens when a charge is moved from point A to point B in an electric field?

Work is done against the electric force, leading to a change in electric potential energy.

What is the unit of electric potential?

The unit of electric potential is the volt, defined as one joule per coulomb.

In biological systems, what is the role of the sodium-potassium pump?

It actively pumps sodium and potassium ions across cell membranes, maintaining charge differences essential for cell function.

What can be indicated by equipotential lines on a map?

Lines of equal electric potential; their closeness indicates the strength of the electric field.

What does it mean when equipotential lines are close together?

It indicates a rapid change in electric potential, signifying a stronger electric field.

In electrical potential concepts, what is an abstraction used for calculations?

Potential lines are used to simplify and visualize the behavior of charges within an electric field.

What does the potential energy increase suggest when a charge moves in an electric field?

It suggests that work is done to move the charge against the electric field.