The Relationship between V \EE U and \FF

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Section 16.1 The Relationship between $V\text{,}$ $\EE\text{,}$ $U\text{,}$ and $\FF$

It is easy to confuse the four electrostatic quantities: $V$ (electrostatic potential), $\EE$ (electric field), $U$ (potential energy), and $\FF$ (force). This activity is intended to help you figure out and remember the relationships amongst them.

Activity 16.1.1. Concept Map for Electrostatic Quantities.

Consider the four quantities $V$ (electrostatic potential), $\EE$ (electric field), $U$ (potential energy), and $\FF$ (force). Make a concept map showing the relationship between these quantities. That is, place these four quantities at the corners of a square, and draw arrows between them, indicating for each arrow the relationship between the two quantities that it connects.

Hint.

Here are some ideas that may improve your understanding of the Concept Map activity.

This is a good place to review your understanding of energy and force from previous coursework in physics.
Don't forget the minus sign in the relationships — both directions — between potential and field.
Note the parallels between the relationships potential/field and energy/force, and also between field/force and potential/energy.
Make sure you understand both the mathematical and the physical relationships between these concepts.

THE GEOMETRY OF STATIC FIELDS

Section 16.1 The Relationship between \(V\text{,}\) \(\EE\text{,}\) \(U\text{,}\) and \(\FF\)

Activity 16.1.1. Concept Map for Electrostatic Quantities.