Potential of charges and dipoles
Potentials add as scalars while fields add as vectors. An opposite-charge pair has zero potential on its perpendicular bisector but generally a nonzero field there.
Run this experiment →Physics · Class 12
Potential & Capacitance
8 free physics experiments and lesson notes for Potential & Capacitance, with model limits, worked examples and Tamil explanations.
Equipotential surfaces
All points at one radius from a point charge have the same potential. Move between spherical surfaces to change potential; travel along one surface requires zero electrostatic work.
Run this experiment →Charge and dipole potential energy
Choose a point-charge pair or a dipole in an external field. Pair energy kq₁q₂/r can be positive or negative. Dipole energy −pE cosθ is lowest when aligned with the field.
Run this experiment →Free charge in conductors and insulators
Free charges redistribute in an electrostatic conductor until the interior field vanishes. A fixed uniform charge density in an insulating sphere instead gives an interior field proportional to radius.
Run this experiment →Dielectric polarization
Polarization slightly separates positive and negative bound charge. Compare a battery-connected capacitor, which holds voltage, with an isolated capacitor, which holds free charge.
Run this experiment →Parallel-plate capacitance
Increase area or permittivity to store more charge per volt. Increase gap to reduce capacitance. Connected and isolated cases obey different charge constraints.
Run this experiment →Series and parallel capacitors
Series capacitors share charge and split voltage inversely with capacitance. Parallel capacitors share voltage and their charges add.
Run this experiment →Capacitor energy
Energy resides in the electric field. A battery-connected dielectric insertion increases stored energy; inserting dielectric into an isolated capacitor decreases it.
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