What is the relationship between electric field intensity and potential gradient?
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Aditya Raj Anand Selected answer as best March 8, 2025
The relationship between electric field intensity (E) and potential gradient is given by:
E=−dVdxE = -\frac{dV}{dx}
Explanation:
- Electric Field (E): It represents the force experienced by a unit positive charge in an electric field. Its unit is N/C or V/m.
- Potential Gradient (dVdx\frac{dV}{dx}): It refers to the rate of change of electric potential (V) with respect to distance (x). A higher gradient means a stronger field.
- Negative Sign (-): It indicates that the electric field points in the direction of decreasing potential. This means that a positive charge will naturally move from a higher potential to a lower potential.
Key Points:
- If the potential decreases rapidly, the electric field is stronger.
- If the potential varies slowly, the electric field is weaker.
- In a uniform field, E=−ΔVΔxE = – \frac{\Delta V}{\Delta x}.
This equation is fundamental in electrostatics and helps in understanding the behavior of charges in an electric field.
Aditya Raj Anand Selected answer as best March 8, 2025