Consider the fundamental point forms for the quantities of electric force, elect
ID: 1655187 • Letter: C
Question
Consider the fundamental point forms for the quantities of electric force, electric field, electrostatic potential energy, and voltage (electric potential). List each quantity that is independent of the test charge. List each quantity that can be determined by the integral of one of the others (in the static case). Consider 4 point charges. How many terms would you need to add in order to calculate: (a) electric force on one of the charges? (b) electric field at some other point in space? (c) electrostatic potential energy? (d) voltage at some other point in space?Explanation / Answer
(1) Electric Force: When the test charge is placed in an electric filed, it will experiances the electric force. i.e. Electric force depends on the quantity of charge on test charge.
Electric Field is defined as electric force on unit test charge. But, the electric field strength (E) is independent of quantity of charge on test charge.
Electrostatic Potential Energy: The electrostatic potential energy depends on electric force, that in turn depends upon the charge quantity on test charge. So the electric potential energy depends on the charge quantity on test charge.
Electric Potential : Eelctric potential defined as the work done on test charge. It does not depend upon the charge quantity of test charge.
Finally, Electric Field and electric potential are the parameters, which are independent of the test charge.