PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
Topic/s: EQUIPOTENTIAL AND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE
Target Number of Sessions: 2
TARGET
After completing this module, you are expected to:
Interpret diagrams of equipotential surfaces/lines
Relate difference in electric potential at two points to the electric field in
the region between two points: −ΔV =E Δx or ΔV =−E Δx
HOOK
In the previous lesson, we have learned that:
1. Electric field (E) points in the direction of decreasing electric potential
(V).
V decreases as you move farther from
the source +Q
V increases as you move farther from -Q
2. The electric potential/voltage of a charge can be calculated using the
following formulae:
V =U /q0 Where: U= electric potential energy
q 0= test charge
V =kQ/r k=coulomb’s constant
Q=source charge
r =distance between Q and q0
Recall also that electric potential is dependent on the value of r that expresses the
amount of potential energy per unit of charge at a specified location. When a
given amount of charge possesses a large quantity of potential energy at a given
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
location, then that location is said to be a location of high electric potential. As
we apply potential energy and electric potential to circuits, we will begin to refer
to the difference in electric potential between two points. This module will be
devoted to an understanding of electric potential difference and its application to
the movement of charge.
IGNITE/LESSON
PROPER:
Equipotential Surface -is a surface on which the electric potential/voltage is the
same everywhere and is always perpendicular to the electric field.
Diagram 1:
x
r z
If points x, y and z are located along the circle/sphere with radius r therefore, the
electric potential for Vx, Vy and Vz is the same or equipotential. We can verify it
using the formula V=kQ/r .
Diagram 2:
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
E
Lower potential
Higher potential /
Take note that the radius r determines the electric potential V. So for the two
different equipotential surfaces A and B, the electric potential is greater along
equipotential surface A than on surface B (VA>VB). We can also say that the
electric field of the charge +Q points in the direction of decreasing potential.
Work done and equipotential surface
Diagram 3:
The electric force does NO work on an equipotential surface, such as path
ABC. However, work is done when a charge moves along the path AD or
moves from two different electric potentials. This change in electric
potential experienced by a charge moving from one point to another in an
electric field is called electric potential difference or potential difference.
It can be expressed using the formula:
Electric potential at the
Electric potential final position (volts)
difference (volts, V) ΔV¿Vb-Va Electric potential at the
initial position (volts)
Potential difference is also the change in potential energy per unit charge or
work done per unit charge. When the electric force does positive work on a
charge, the kinetic energy increases and the potential energy decreases. The
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
difference in potential energy is equal to the negative of the work done by the
electric field to move the charge from a to b or it can be expressed using the
equation:
Take note that:
- If a charge moves in the direction of the electric field, the change in
potential/ potential difference is negative ( ΔV=decreases).
- If a charge moves opposite the direction of the electric field, the change in
potential/ potential difference is positive ( ΔV=increases).
Examples:
1. A charged particle moves along a straight line in a uniform electric field of
100 V/m. The electric field direction is the same as the displacement. Find
the potential difference if the object moves from x=15.0 m to x=20.0 m.
Given: E=100 V/m
Δ r=20-15=5m
Find: Δ V
Δ V=−E ( Δ r )
= -(100)(5)
Δ V=-500 V
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
Since the charge moves in the direction of the electric field the electric
potential decreases.
2. An electric field of 525 V/m, is desired between two parallel plates 11.0
mm apart. How large a voltage should be applied?
Given: E=525 V/m (+ or -)
r=11 mm=0.011 m
Find: Δ V
Δ V=−E (Δ r ) E direction is not specified
Δ V=−E (Δ r )
Δ V=−(±525 V /m)(0.011 m)
Δ V=± 5.78 V ∨simply 5.78V
3. 3. If -5 C of charge moves through a +5V potential difference, determine
the change in electric potential energy.
Given: qo=-5C
Δ V=+5V
Find: ΔU
Δ V= ΔU/ qo isolate ΔU
ΔU = Δ V¿ )
ΔU =(5V)(-5C) where 1V=1 J/C
=(5J/C)(-5C)
ΔU =-25 J
The negative sign indicates that there is a decrease in electric potential
energy
4. A positive charge moves through an electric field such that it speeds up,
gaining 100 J of kinetic energy. The change in electric potential by the
charge is -10 V. What is the magnitude of the positive charge?
Given: ΔK¿+100 J
Δ V=-10V
Find: q0
Solution: -ΔU= +ΔK
ΔU=-100 J
Δ V= ΔU/ q o
q o= ΔU /Δ V
=(-100J)/(-10V)
q o=+10C
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
For more examples and video tutorials, you may visit the following links:
http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/equipot.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Cy891cmIY
NAVIGATE/EXERCI
SES:
Please solve the following problems on your notebook.
1) How much work does the electric field do in moving a charge from ground
to a point whose potential is higher? 5.0 x 10–4 J
2) What potential difference is needed to give a helium nucleus 85.0 keV of
kinetic energy? –4.25 x 104 V
3) The work done by an external force to move a -6.50 µC charge from point
A to point B is 15.0 x 10-4J. If the charge was started from rest and had
4.82 x 10-4 J of kinetic energy when it reached point B, what must be the
potential difference between A and B? –157 V
KNOT/ASSIGNMEN
T:
Please answer the following problems completely and accurately. Write your
solution on a bond paper or a whole sheet of paper.
1. Two parallel plates are charges to produce a potential difference of 50 V.
If the separation distance between the plates is 0.05 m, calculate the
magnitude of the electric field in the space between the plates.
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
2. Suppose an electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference
of 5000V
a) What is the change in electric potential energy of the electron?
b) What is the kinetic energy?
c) the speed of the electron (m=9.1 x 10 -31 kg) as a result of this
acceleration?
3. How much work does the electric field do in moving a -7.7 µC charge
from ground to a point whose potential is +65 V higher?
4. What potential difference is needed to stop an electron that has an initial
velocity of 6.0 x 105 m/s?
5. How much kinetic energy will an electron gain (in joules and eV) if it
accelerates through a potential difference of 18,500 V?
6. An alpha particle (which is a helium nucleus Q=+2e, m=6.64 x10-27kg) is
emitted in radioactive decay with KE=5.53 MeV. What is its speed?
Prepared by:
LORRAINE GAY R. CALIXTRO
Recommending Approval:
GARRY JUN M. MAYAWIN ROSALINDA O. LUWANG
Unit Head CID Head
PSHS-CVC
Grade 10/Phy 2
Approved by:
SALVADOR B. ROMO
Director III
