We can talk about the amountofpotential energy per unit chargeas a function of locationâwe use the term voltageto describe this. A voltage difference between two locations results from the presence of an electric field. The more work the field can do in moving thecharge from point A to point B, the higher the voltageof point A is relative to point B. Required:
a. Describe and draw the electric field between two large, oppositely charged plates.
b. Electric potentialis completely analogous to an object being dropped off of a building. The higher the building, the more potential energy the object has. Make a sketch of the ground and a building anddraw lines that indicate constantpotential energyof an object.
c. On your sketch for part a, draw lines of constant potential (these are called equipotentiallines). It may help to imagine placing a positive charge between the plates. It will accelerate toward the negative plate and run into it. Regardless of where you place the charge on an equipotential line, itâll hit the negative plate with the same speed.