Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Understanding the Basics of Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Posted by Lecture Home on November 10, 2024

Key Concepts and Notations

  • W = Work done, unit: joules (J)
  • V = Electric potential, unit: volt (V)
  • C = Capacitance, unit: farad (F) (1 F = 1 C V–1)



Work Done by an External Force

Formula: WRP = ∫RP (Fext ⋅ dr)


Potential Energy Difference

Formula: ΔU = UP - UR = WRP




Relation Between Electrostatic Potential and Potential Difference

Formula: VP - VR = (UP - UR) / q


In Case of Infinity

Formula: W∞P = V


Force Between Charges

Formula: F = k (Q1 Q2) / r2




Potential at a Point Due to a Charge

Formula: V(r) = k Q / r


Potential Due to a Dipole

Formula: V = (k p cos θ) / r2


Electric Field at the Surface of a Charged Conductor

Formula: E = σ / ε0


Polarization (P)

Formula: P = ε0 χe E


Capacitance of a Capacitor

Formula: C = Q / V


Relationship Between V, E, and d

Formula: V = E d = (1 / ε0) Q d / A


Capacitance with Dielectric

Formula: C = (ε0 K A) / d


Capacitor in Series and Parallel

Series: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ... + 1/Cn


Parallel: C = C1 + C2 + ... + Cn


Work Done in a Capacitor

Formula: W = 1/2 C V2 = 1/2 Q V


Energy Stored in a Capacitor

Formula: U = 1/2 (Q2 / C) = 1/2 Q V = 1/2 C V2


Energy Density of an Electric Field

Formula: u = 1/2 ε0 E2




Download the Complete Formula List

For easy reference, you can download the full list of formulas here:

Download Formula List

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