Change in Electric Potential Energy in a Uniform Electric Field (9:11)
In this lesson we derive the change in gravitational potential energy for an object moving in a uniform gravitational field and then use that result as a direct analogy to determine the change in electric potential energy for a charge moving in a uniform electric field. By connecting work, conservative forces, and potential energy, this video clearly explains why potential energy decreases when objects or positive charges accelerate in the direction of a field and how the system definition matters in both gravitational and electric cases. This video is ideal for students learning electric potential energy, gravitational potential energy, and uniform electric fields, and it provides a strong conceptual foundation for AP Physics 2.
Chapters:
0:00 Gravitational Field and the Question
0:55 Work Done by Gravity
1:56 Gravitational Potential Energy Change
4:09 Electric Potential Energy in a Uniform Field
7:52 Systems, Charges, and Sign Conventions
Chapters:
0:00 Gravitational Field and the Question
0:55 Work Done by Gravity
1:56 Gravitational Potential Energy Change
4:09 Electric Potential Energy in a Uniform Field
7:52 Systems, Charges, and Sign Conventions
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- Thank you to Julie Langenbrunner, Lou Jison, and Christopher Becke for being my Quality Control Team for this video.