Physics Form 3: Chapter 4
Electrostatics II
4.1: Electric Potential Energy and electric
Potential Difference
Physical objects in a gravitational field have potential energy that varies by
changing their positions. Similarly, electric charges have electrical potential
energy. To move a positive electric charge between two points against the force of
an electric field, work must be done. The change in electric potential energy per
unit of positive charge is called the potential difference.
Example 4.1:
How much work is done in moving a charge of 2 coulombs from a point at 118
volts to a point at 128 volts?
Solution: Given: q = 2C, Va = 118V, Vb = 128V.
Potential difference, V = 128 - 118 = 10 volts. W = V x q = 10V x 2C = 20J.
4.1.1: Electric Potential
Electric potential (or voltage) is the electric condition that determines the flow of
charge from one conductor to another. It is defined as the potential energy per
unit charge. While potential energy is a scalar quantity, only differences in
potential are physically measurable.
Example 4.2:
A charge of 10 C is brought from infinity to a point near a charged body and in
this process, 200J of work is done. Calculate the electric potential.
Solution: Given: q = 10C, W = 200J. V = W / q = 200J / 10C = 20V.
4.1.2: Relationship between Potential Difference
and Electric Field
Electric field describes the force on a charge, while electric potential describes
how much energy that charge will gain or lose in moving. In a uniform field, the
potential difference is the product of the field strength and the distance.
V = Ed
Example 4.3:
Two parallel plates are charged to a potential difference of 24V. If the plates
are separated by a distance 3cm, what electric field exists between them?
Solution: V = 24V, d = 0.03m.
E = V / d = 24 / 0.03 = 800 V/m.
4.1.3: Electric Potential due to a Point Charge
A point charge creates an electric field in its vicinity. The strength of the potential
at a distance 'r' from a point charge 'q' depends on the magnitude of the charge
and its distance.
𝒒
V=k
𝒓
Example 4.4:
What is the absolute potential at a point which is 15cm from an isolated point
charge Q = -3 x 10⁻7C in vacuum?
Solution: k = 9 x 10⁹ Nm²/C².
𝒒
V=k
𝒓
(−3 x 10- 7 )
V= (9 x 10⁹) = -18,000V.
0.15
4.2: Capacitance
Capacitance is the ability of a body to store an electric charge. A capacitor is a
device which is used to store electric charge. A capacitor consists of two
conductors separated by an insulator (dielectric).
Example 4.5:
A 100μF capacitor is connected to a 12V battery. How much charge is stored
on the plates?
Solution: C = 100 x 10⁻⁶F, V = 12V.
Q = CV = 1.2 x 10⁻3C.
combination of capacitors
Capacitors can be connected in two main ways: series and parallel
The way they are connected changes how much total charge they can store.
𝐶 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3
1 1 2 3
=𝐶 +𝐶 +𝐶
𝐶 1 2 3
𝐶 𝐶
For two capacitors in series 𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶 1+𝐶2
1 2
Example 4.6:
Calculate the equivalent capacitance of two capacitors of 6𝜇𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4𝜇𝑓
connected
a) In parallel
b) In series
Solution
a) In parallel: the equivalent capacitance 𝐶 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = 6𝜇𝐹 + 4𝜇𝑓 = 10𝜇𝑓
b) In series, the equivalent capacitance is given by
𝐶 𝐶 6×4 24
𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶 1+𝐶2 = 6+4 = 10 = 2.4𝜇𝑓
1 2
4.3: Energy Stored in a Capacitor
Charging a capacitor requires work, which is stored as electrical potential energy
in the electric field between the plates.
E = ½CV²
Example 4.7:
Calculate the energy stored in a 50μF capacitor charged to a potential of 100V.
Solution: C = 50 x 10⁻⁶F, V = 100V.
1 1
𝐸 = 2 𝐶𝑉 2 = 2 × 50 × 10−6 × 1002 = 0.25 J.
exercise
Direct Questions
1. Define electric potential and state its SI unit.
2. What is a capacitor?
3. State the unit of capacitance
4. Define the 'Volt' in terms of work and charge.
5. How are electric field (E) and potential difference (V) related?
6. What are the two main types of combining capacitors?
7. What is the symbol of capacitors?
8. What is a capacitor?
9. Define 'Capacitance'.
10. What is a dielectric?
11. List three factors affecting capacitance.
12. Which instrument measures potential difference?
Problem-Solving Questions
1. Calculate work done to move 5C across 20V.
2. Find E between plates 0.02m apart with 100V.
3. Capacitors of 2𝜇𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 6𝜇𝑓 are connected in parallel and in series. Determine
the equivalent capacitance in each case
4. Find charge in a 470μF capacitor at 9V.
5. Find energy in a 10μF capacitor at 20V.