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Chapter 4 — Chapter 4 — Electrostatics
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📘Easy summary
Electrostatics refers to phenomena arising from stationary electric charges: forces between charges (Coulomb's law F = kq₁q₂/r²), electric field, electric potential and electrical energy stored in devices. Electric potential difference is the work done per unit charge in moving a charge between two points: ΔV = W/q. SI unit: volt (1 V = 1 J C⁻¹). Relation with electric field: the field is the rate of change of potential with distance, E = −ΔV/Δr (potential gradient); the negative sign shows the field points from higher to lower potential. In a uniform field, V = Ed, so a stronger field causes a more rapid fall of potential.
⭐Key points
- ΔV = W/q; 1 V = 1 J C⁻¹.
- E = −ΔV/Δr.
- Uniform field: E = V/d.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
Book: 6 V battery across plates 0.3 cm apart: E = 6/0.003 = 2000 N C⁻¹ (V m⁻¹).
💡Exam tip
- Unit of E: N C⁻¹ = V m⁻¹.
✅Quick check
1. E between plates 2 mm apart at 10 V:
2. Electric field points from:
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