All Flashcards
What is the effect of moving a charge along an equipotential line?
No work is done.
What happens if there is charge separation?
An electric potential difference is created.
What happens when equipotential lines are closer together?
The electric field is stronger.
What happens when a positive test charge is placed in an electric field?
It moves in the direction of decreasing potential (from high to low).
Define electric potential.
Electric potential is the electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in space; measured in volts (V).
What is electric potential difference?
The change in electric potential energy per unit charge when moving a test charge between two points.
What is voltage?
Electric potential difference; the driving force behind electric current.
Define equipotential lines.
Lines that connect points of equal electric potential. No work is done moving a charge along these lines.
What do electric field vectors indicate?
The direction a positive test charge would move; they point in the direction of decreasing potential (from high to low).
How do you calculate electric potential due to multiple charges?
Use scalar superposition: sum the individual potentials from each charge.
How do batteries create electric potential difference?
Chemical processes in batteries create charge separation, resulting in electric potential differences.
What happens when conductors touch?
Electrons move until they reach the same electric potential.