Electric Potential and Charge Calculations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electric potential, calculations involving charges, and methods for determining electric potential at specific points.

Electric Potential (V)

The amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in space, given by V = kq/r.

Coulomb's Constant (k)

A value used in electrostatics, approximately equal to 9 x 10^9 N m²/C².

Microcoulomb (μC)

A unit of electric charge, equal to 10^-6 coulombs.

Find the potential at point P with a charge of -5μC located 3 m away.

V = kq/r = 9 x 10^9 * (-5 x 10^-6) / 3 = -15000 V.

Condition for zero potential due to multiple charges.

The total electric potential from multiple point charges is zero at a specific point if the potentials from individual charges cancel each other out.

Equation for potential due to multiple charges (V)

V = kq₁/r₁ + kq₂/r₂, where q₁ and q₂ are the charges and r₁ and r₂ are their respective distances from the point of interest.

How to calculate V at a point along the line of charges?

Set up an equation for the potential V from each charge, and solve for the point where their sum is zero.

Charge values mentioned

-2 μC and +1 μC are examples of charges used to calculate the electric potential.