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First exams 2025

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Electric Potential Gradient (CIE A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Ann H

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Ann H

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Potential gradient

  • An electric field can be described in terms of the variation of electric potential at different points in the field
    • This is known as the potential gradient
  • The potential gradient of an electric field is defined as:

The rate of change of electric potential with respect to displacement in the direction of the field

  • A graph of potential V against distance r can be drawn for a positive or negative charge Q
  • This is a graphical representation of the equation:

V space equals space fraction numerator Q over denominator 4 straight pi epsilon subscript 0 r end fraction

  • The electric field strength at a point is equivalent to the negative electric potential gradient at that point
  • This can be written mathematically as:

E space equals space minus fraction numerator increment V over denominator increment r end fraction

  • Where:
    • E = electric field strength (V m−1)
    • ΔV = potential difference between two points (V)
    • Δr = displacement in the direction of the field (m)
  • Hence, fraction numerator increment V over denominator increment r end fraction = electric potential gradient, i.e. the change in potential with distance
  • The negative sign is included to indicate that the potential gradient acts in the opposite direction to the field strength and electric force
  • Therefore, as distance from the point charge increases:
    • field strength and force decreases
    • potential gradient increases

Graph of electric potential and distance

Electric Potential Gradient Graph

The electric potential around a positive charge decreases with distance and increases with distance around a negative charge

  • The key features of this graph are:
    • All values of potential are negative for a negative charge
    • All values of potential are positive for a positive charge
    • As r increases, V against r follows a 1/r relation for a positive charge and a -1/r relation for a negative charge
    • The gradient of the graph at any particular point is equal to the field strength E at that point
    • The curve is shallower than the corresponding E-r graph

Determining potential difference from a field-distance graph

  • The potential difference due to a charge can also be determined from the area under a field-distance graph
  • A graph of field strength E against distance r can be drawn for a positive or negative charge Q
  • This is a graphical representation of the equation:

E space equals space fraction numerator Q over denominator 4 straight pi epsilon subscript 0 r squared end fraction

  • The area under the E-r graph between two points is equal to the potential difference ΔV between those points

Graph of electric field strength and distance

Electric Field Strength and Distance Graph, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The electric field strength E has a 1/r2 relationship, and the area under the graph represents change in electric potential

  • The key features of this graph are:
    • All values of field strength are negative for a negative charge
    • All values of field strength are positive for a positive charge
    • As r increases, E against r follows a 1/r2 relation (inverse square law)
    • The area under this graph is the change in electric potential ΔV
    • The curve is steeper than the corresponding V-r graph

Examiner Tip

One way to remember whether the electric potential increases or decreases with respect to the distance from the charge is by the direction of the electric field lines. The potential always decreases in the same direction as the field lines and vice versa.

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Ann H

Author: Ann H

Expertise: Physics

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students no matter their schooling or background.