23.3 Calculating Electric Potential
Use two approaches in calculating the potential due
to a charge distribution:
1) if the charge distribution is known, we can use
or
2) if we know how the electric field depends on
position, we can use
(sometimes use a combination of these two approaches)
1
,Example: A charged conducting sphere
A solid conducting sphere of radius R has a total charge q. Find
the potential everywhere, both outside and inside the sphere.
2
, Example: Oppositely charged parallel plates
Find the potential at any height y between two oppositely
charged parallel plates.
usually take
potential at b to be
zero
3
Use two approaches in calculating the potential due
to a charge distribution:
1) if the charge distribution is known, we can use
or
2) if we know how the electric field depends on
position, we can use
(sometimes use a combination of these two approaches)
1
,Example: A charged conducting sphere
A solid conducting sphere of radius R has a total charge q. Find
the potential everywhere, both outside and inside the sphere.
2
, Example: Oppositely charged parallel plates
Find the potential at any height y between two oppositely
charged parallel plates.
usually take
potential at b to be
zero
3
