GenPhysics2 Q3 Mod2 Electric Potential v5
GenPhysics2 Q3 Mod2 Electric Potential v5
GenPhysics2 Q3 Mod2 Electric Potential v5
School
General Physics 2
Quarter 3 - Module 2
Electric Potential
General Physics 2 - SHS
Alternative Delivery Mode Self-Learning Module
Quarter 3 - Module 2: Electric Potential
First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such
work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition
the payment of royalty.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro Schools
Division Superintendent: Dr. Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, CESO V
Management Team
Chairperson: Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, PhD, CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent
General Physics 2
Quarter 3 - Module 2
Electric Potential
FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This SLM (Self Learning Module) is for educational purposes only.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in
these modules are owned by their respective copyright holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor
claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have made significant contributions to these
modules.
Table of Contents
Lesson 1:
Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy .............................................1
What’s In........................................................................................................ 1
What Is It ....................................................................................................... 2
This module will help you explore the key concepts on topics that will help you answer
the questions pertaining to electric potential.
i
Icons of this Module
This part contains learning
objectives that Know are set for
What I Need To Know
you to learn as you go along the
module.
ii
What I Know
Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given choices.
3. Which statements must be true about the surface of a charged conductor in which no charge
is moving?
A. The electric field is zero at the surface.
B. The electric potential of the surface is zero.
C. The electric potential is constant over the surface.
D. The electric field is constant at the surface.
5. A system of two charges has a positive potential energy. This closely indicates that
6. An electron & a proton are accelerated through the same potential difference
A. the electron has greater KE B. the proton has greater KE
C. the electron has greater speed D. the proton has greater speed.
7. The electric potential due to several point charges is given by the equation: V = kΣqi / ri. The
r indicates:
A. the distance from the point charge to the point at which the potential is evaluated
B. the radius of the two pair of charges.
C. the radius from the center of the charge
D. none of these
8. A positive charge is located at the origin. As a test charge moves away from the charge, what
will happen to the electric potential electric potential due to this charge?
A. increases B. decreases
C. remains the same D. undetermined
iii
9. Which of the following statements are TRUE?
I. When a positive charge moves in the direction of an electric field, the field does
negative work and the potential energy increases.
II. When a negative charge moves in the direction of an electric field, the field does
negative work and the potential energy increases.
III. When a negative charge moves in the direction of an electric field, the field does
positive work and the potential energy decreases.
A. I&IV B. II&III
D. I&III D. II&IV
10. How much work is done in moving a charge between two points on the same equipotential
surface?
A. zero B. maximum
B. depends on the charge D. undetermined
11. A negative charge moves in the direction of a uniform electric field. What does this entail?
A. The charge moves to a position of higher potential.
B. The charge moves to a position of lower potential
C. The charge moves to a position with the same potential
D. The potential cannot be determined.
14. A charge of 31μC moves from the positive to the negative terminal of a 9.0-V battery. How
much energy does the battery impart to the charge?
A. -9.72x10-4 J B. -2.79x10-4 J
C. 2.79x10-4 J D. 9.72x10-4 J
Iv
Lesson
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND
1 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY
What’s In
We just scratched the surface (or at least rubbed it) of electrical phenomena. In quarter
1 Module 6, we introduced the concepts of work and energy in the context of mechanics, this
time we’ll combine this concept with what we have learned about electric charge, electric force
and electric field. Two terms commonly used to describe electricity are energy and voltage. The
energy and voltage are not the same thing.
Potential energy is the energy stored by an object because of its position relative to other
objects, its electric charge, or other factors. A common type of potential energy includes the
electric potential energy.
In this lesson, you will be able to relate the electric potential with work, potential energy,
and electric field. You will also solve problems involving electric potential for point charge and
continuous charge distribution.
What’s New
Activity 2.1 Finding You. Discover the words which relate to electric potential energy.
E E C A M E R A S E L O W S
N L O J E C T I L L M S S R
O W E T H C A V O E Y B R E
P O T E N T I A L C E S T H
F R D N F L C L F T C A U G
S K U E H A E V S R F R I I
T U H R U T L E T I I Y O C
B I O G E L E L B C E O M R
G O N Y D E R O G J O U L E
W M E V O L T G H G N J D V
R O S Q S F T I N J R T I O
E R R O S T I T E C V S C L
G F Y K E N O Y G R F C N V
S W E M I N G T T Y E B E R
1
What Is It
Source: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-
2/pages/7-1-electric-potential-energy
If the electric force is conservative, then the work done by this force on a charged particle
moving from point a to point a can be expressed in terms of the electric potential energy 𝑼,
𝑎 𝑏
𝑊𝑎𝑏 = 𝑊𝑎→𝑏 = ∫𝑏 𝐹⃑ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = ∫𝑎 𝑞𝑜 𝐸⃑⃑ ∙ 𝑑𝑙⃗ = −∆𝑈 = 𝑈𝑎 − 𝑈𝑏
The work done is equal to the negative of the change in electric potential energy.
Whether the test charge is positive or negative, the following general rules apply:
1. U increases if a test charge moves in the direction opposite to the electric force acting on it.
2. U decreases if a test charge moves in the same direction as the electric force acting on it.
The electric potential energy for two point charges, q1 and q0, separated by a distance r
(see Figure 2.2) is given as
2
The electric potential energy for a test charge q o in the
electric field produced by a collection of charges (see Figure
2.3) is given by
q1 q 2 q3
r
n
q0 qi q0 q
U= = + + + ... + n
4 0 i i 4 0 r1 r2 r3 rn
A more general equation to determine the total electric potential energy of the system:
Electric Potential
Electric Potential, V, is defined as the potential energy per unit charge. The electric
potential energy is shown by two elements, the charge possessed by the object itself and the
position relative to an object with respect to electrically charged objects. The magnitude of
electric potential is dependent on the amount of work done in moving the object from one point
to another against the electric field.
When an object is moved against the electric field it gains amount of energy which is
the electric potential energy. In a given charge the electric potential energy is the total work
done by an external agent in bringing the system of charges from continuity to the present
without any acceleration. It is obtained by dividing potential energy to the quantity of charge.
Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity. It is measured in terms of Joules.
U
V=
qo
Given the sizes of each charge and the distance between them, the electric potential
energy they have relative to each other can be calculated. This is assuming the two charges can
be treated as point charges, which are where all the charge is concentrated at an exact point in
space.
3
Moving along the direction of the electric field, 𝐸⃑⃑, in both positive and negative point
charges, the electric potential V decreases. Otherwise, the potential 𝑉 increases (see Figure
2.4).
Figure 2.4 Electric Field and Electric Potential of a (A) Positive Charge (B) Negative Charge
The potential difference between two points can be expressed as a line integral given by
Electron Volt
One electron volt (1 eV) is the kinetic energy gained by an electron moving through a
potential difference of one volt (1 V).
1 eV = 1.602 x 10 -19 J
4
Equipotential Line
An equipotential is a line surface over which the electric potential (V) is constant at every
point. Electric field lines are perpendicular to equipotentials.
Figure 2.5 Equipotential lines of a positive point charge, a dipole and a pair of positive charges
Source: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-2/pages/7-5-equipotential-surfaces-and-conductors
Equipotential Surface
An equipotential surface is one on which all points are at the same potential. The potential
difference between any two points on an equipotential surface is zero; there is no work done to
move a charge between two points.
1. Two point charges q1=-e and q2=+e are located on the x-axis at x=0 and x=a respectively.
a) Find the work that must be done in bringing a third charge q3=+e from infinity to x=2a
b) Find the total potential energy of these three point charges.
Solution:
+ e − e e − e 2 − ke2
Wab = 0 − U b = − + = =
4 0 2a a 8 0 a 2a
5
1 qi q j 1 q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3 1 (−e)(e) (−e)(e) (e)(e)
b. U = = + + = + +
4 0 rij 4 0 r12 r13 r23 4 0 a 2a a
− e2 − ke 2
U= =
8 0 a 2a
2. In the figure shown, assume that 𝑟12 = 𝑟13 = 𝑟23 = 12 𝑐𝑚, and that q1=+q, q2=-4q and q3=+2q
where q=150nC. What is the potential energy of the system?
Solution:
qi q j q q q q q q
U = k = k 1 2 + 1 3 + 2 3
rij r12 r13 r23
where q1=+q=+150nC
q2=-4q=-4(150nC)=-600nC
q3=+2q=+2(150nC)=300nC
3. A proton (+q = +1.602 x 10-19C) moves along a straight line from point a to point b with a
separation distance d = 0.50m. Considering the electric field along this line is uniform with
magnitude of 1.50 x 107V/m and directed from point a to point b. Determine:
a) the force on the proton
Solution:
a) Since the charge is positive, then the electric force is in the same direction of the electric
field. Its magnitude is
V
F = qE = (1.602x10−19 C )(1.50x107 ) = 2.4 x10 −12 N
m
b) The force is constant since the electric field is uniform along the proton’s displacement.
Hence, the work done by the field is
6
Converting this value in eV,
1eV
Wa→b = 1.2 x10−12 J −19 = 7.5 x10 eV = 7.5MeV
6
1.602 x10 J
c) From the work done expression, the potential difference (Vab) is then
W 1.2 x10−12 J
Vab = a→b = −19 = 7.5 x106V = 7.5MV
q 1.602 x10 C
4. Electron in TV tube. Suppose an electron in the picture tube of a television set is accelerated
from rest through a potential difference Vba = +5000V. What is the change in potential energy
of the electron?
(e = -1.602 x 10-19 C)
Solution:
5. Potential due to charged disk. A thin flat disk of radius R carries a uniformly distributed charge
Q. Determine the potential at a point P on the axis of the disk, a distance x from its center.
(Adisk = R2).
Solution:
dq 1 dq
V = k =
r 4 o r
Q Q dq dq
= = 2 = =
A R dA 2 rdr
2Qrdr
Therefore, dq = dA =
R2
The potential, V, is then equal to:
dq 1 dA 2Q
R
rdr
V = k = = 2
r 4 o x 2 + r 2
( ) (
4 o R 0 x 2 + r 2
)
1/ 2 1/ 2
1/ 2 r = R
V=
2Q
4 o R
(
2 x +r
2 2
) r =0
Q
(
x2 + R2
) − x
1/ 2
V= (V due to a charged disk)
2 o R
2
7
What’s More
Activity 2.2 Problem Solving. Answer the following questions. Write your solution and answer
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. How much work is required to move a charge of 4 nC from a point 2m away to a point 0.5 m
away from a point charge of 60 nC? What is the potential difference between these points?
2. A point charge q₁=4.00 nC is placed at the origin, and a second point charge q₂=-3.00 nC is
placed on the x-axis at x=+20.0 cm. A third point charge q₃=2.00 nC is to be placed on the
x-axis between q₁ and q₂. Let the potential energy of the three charges be zero when they
are infinitely far apart.
a) what is the potential energy of the system of the three charges if q₃ is placed at x=+10.0
cm?
b) where should q₃ be placed to make the potential energy of the system equal to zero?
3. A solid conducting sphere of radius 30 cm has a charge of 4 µC. If the potential is zero at
infinity. Find the value of the potential at the following distances from the center of the sphere:
a) 45 cm b) 30 cm c) 15 cm
Electric
Potential
Energy
Electric
Potential
Equipotential
Lines
8
What Can I Do
Activity 2.4. Searching Time. Explore online the answers of the following questions associated
with electric potential applications.
1. A Van de Graff Generator is a laboratory device with a large hollow metal sphere supported
by a cylindrical insulating stand. It is for building up high voltages. Why does your hair stand
out when you are charged by such device?
2. An electron gun is a device that is the heart of most TVs and computer monitors. How does
it work inside the device?
Summary
• A charged object has electric potential energy by virtue of its location in an electric field.
• The electric potential, or voltage, at any point in an electric field is the electric potential
energy per unit charge for a charged object at that point.
• The work done by the electric force on a charged particle moving in an electric field is equal
to the negative of the change in electric potential energy.
• Electron volt (1 eV) is the kinetic energy gained by an electron moving through a potential
difference of one volt (1 V),
• An equipotential surface is one on which all points are at the same potential.
9
Assessment: (Posttest)
Multiple Choice. Answer the question that follows. Choose the best answer from among the
given choices.
2. A system of two charges has a negative potential energy. This signifies that
A. both charges are positive
B. both charges are negative
C. both charges are positive or both are negative
D. one charge is positive & the other is negative
3. An electron & a proton are accelerated through the same potential difference
A. the electron has lower KE B. the proton has lower KE
C. the electron has lower speed D. the proton has lower speed.
4. The electric potential energy due to several point charges is given by the equation:
U = k Σ qi / r2i. The r indicates:
A. the distance from the point charge to the point at which the
potential energy is evaluated.
B. the radius of the two pair of charges.
C. the radius from the center of the charge
D. none of the above
7. How is the direction of the electric field lines related to the equipotential surface?
A. parallel B. perpendicular
C. depends on the sign of the charge D. undetermined
10
8. When moving from infinity to towards a negative point charge, the electric potential.
A. increases B. decreases
C. remains the same D. undetermined
9. A point charge q = 2.00μC is located at the origin. Find the electric potential due to this charge
at point x = 4.0 m.
A. 1500 V B. 2500 V
C. 3500 V D. 4500 V
10. Two protons in the nucleus of a 238U atom are 6.0 fm (6.0x10-15m) apart. What is the potential
energy (in joules) associated with the electric force that acts between these two particles?
A. 3.8x10-14 B. 4.5x10-15
-9
C. 5.0x10 D. 5.0x10-8
11. Two point charges are arranged along the x-axis; q1=2.0 µC is at x=0.80m, and q2=2.0 µC
at x=0.80m . The net electrical potential measured at the origin due to these point charges is
A. zero B. 4500V
B. 22500V D. 45kV
12. Two like charges of charge +10 nC are placed at the two corners of an equilateral triangle of
side 3 cm. What is the magnitude of the total potential at the third corner?
A. 0 B. 6 V
B. 600 V D. 6000 V
For numbers 13-15, refer to the figure below where Q1=+2.0µC, Q2 = -3.0µC.
0.0800m
0.0600m
A
Q1 + - Q2
0.0500m 0.0500m
11
12
What I Know
1D 6B 11.D
2D 7A 12.A
3C 8B 13.D
4B 9A 14.C
5A 10 A 15.B
Lesson 1
Activity 2.1 Across Down
POTENTIAL WORK
JOULE ENERGY
VOLT
Activity 2.2 1) 3240nJ; 810 V
2a) -3.60x10-7J b) 0.075 m or 0.358 m
3a) 80,000 V b) 120,000 V c) 120,000 V
Activity 2.3 Answers may vary
Activity 2.4 1. When the Van de Graaff generator starts charging, it transfers the charge to
the person touching it. The person's hair follicles are then getting charged to
the same potential, they try to repel each other so the hair stands up.
2. An electron gun accelerates electrons to a potential difference changing the
its electric potential energy. In a cathode ray tube (CRT) -- the big glass
tube used in most televisions and computer monitors -- the electrons get
aimed at the screen, where they light up the phosphor on the screen to
create the image.
Posttest
1B 6C 11.D
2B 7B 12.D
3A 8B 13.A
4.A 9D 14.B
5A 10 A 15.C
Key to Answers
References
Suarez, V., et al, Workbook in Electromagnetism 8th Edition (Mindanao University of Science and
Technology, Cagayan de Oro City, 2015)
Young, H.D. and Freedman R. A., University Physics with Modern Physics 10th edition pp. 731-
761 (Pearson Education Asia Pte Ltd, 2002)
https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-2/pages/7-1-electric-potential-energy
https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-2/pages/7-5-equipotential-surfaces-and-
conductors
13
For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:
FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This SLM (Self Learning Module) is
for educational purposes only. Borrowed materials (i.e. songs, stories, poems,
pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in these modules are
owned by their respective copyright holders. The publisher and authors do not
represent nor claim ownership over them.