Electric Potential Calculator

Electric potential is a fundamental concept in physics, particularly in the study of electromagnetism. It quantifies the amount of potential energy a unit positive charge would have at a given point in an electric field. The Electric Potential Calculator simplifies the process of calculating this potential by using a straightforward mathematical formula. This tool is incredibly useful for students, educators, and professionals in physics and engineering fields.

Understanding the Electric Potential Calculator

The Electric Potential Calculator operates on a simple principle derived from Coulomb's Law. It computes the electric potential 𝑉V created by a point charge 𝑞q at a certain distance 𝑟r from the charge. The formula used by the calculator is:

𝑉=𝑘⋅𝑞𝑟V=rk⋅q​

Here:

• 𝑘k is Coulomb's constant, approximately 8.9875×109 Nm2/C28.9875×109Nm2/C2,
• 𝑞q is the charge in coulombs (C),
• 𝑟r is the distance from the charge in meters (m).

How to Use the Electric Potential Calculator

Using the Electric Potential Calculator is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Input the Charge (𝑞q): Enter the magnitude of the charge. This value can be positive or negative depending on the nature of the charge.
2. Input the Distance (𝑟r): Type in the distance from the point charge to the point where you wish to find the electric potential. Ensure this distance is in meters and is a positive value.
3. Calculate: Click the calculate button to compute the electric potential.
4. View the Result: The calculated electric potential will be displayed in volts (V).

Example Calculation

To illustrate how the calculator works, consider finding the electric potential at a point 0.5 meters away from a charge of 1×10−61×10−6 coulombs:

• Charge (𝑞q): 1×10−61×10−6 C
• Distance (𝑟r): 0.5 m
• Calculation: Plug the values into the formula:

𝑉=8.9875×109×1×10−60.5=17,975 voltsV=0.58.9875×109×1×10−6​=17,975volts

Relevant Information Table

Parameter	Symbol	Value	Unit
Coulomb's Constant	𝑘k	8.9875×1098.9875×109	Nm2/C2Nm2/C2
Charge	𝑞q	User Input	C (Coulombs)
Distance	𝑟r	User Input	m (Meters)
Electric Potential	𝑉V	Calculated Value	V (Volts)

Conclusion

The Electric Potential Calculator is a highly beneficial tool for quickly determining the electric potential at a specific point due to a point charge. It is essential in educational contexts where students can understand the influence of different charges and distances on electric potential. For professionals, it provides a quick-check mechanism to assess potential in complex electrical fields.