Question 1

Which of the following best describes electric potential at a point in space?

Accepted Answer

The electric potential energy per unit charge at that point.

Question 2

A positive charge is released from rest in a region where the electric potential decreases in the direction of motion. What happens to its kinetic and potential energy?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases.

Question 3

Which equation correctly relates the change in electric potential energy $$\Delta U to $$the electric field $$\vec{E}$$ and displacement $$\vec{d}$$ for a charge $$q$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta U = -q \vec{E} \cdot \vec{d}$$

Question 4

If the electric potential difference between two points A and B is $$V_B - V_A = 12\,\mathrm{V}$$, and a $$2\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge moves from A to B, what is the change in electric potential energy?

Accepted Answer

$$24\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about electric field lines and electric potential is correct?

Accepted Answer

Electric field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential surfaces.

Question 6

A negative charge is released from rest in an electric field. In which direction does it accelerate relative to the electric potential?

Accepted Answer

Toward regions of increasing electric potential.

Question 7

Which unit is equivalent to a volt ($$\mathrm{V}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{C}$$

Question 8

A $$5\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge is moved through a potential difference of $$3\,\mathrm{V}. $$How much work is done by the electric field?

Accepted Answer

$$15\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

Accepted Answer

Electric potential $$V$$

Question 10

A $$1\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge is moved from a point at $$10\,\mathrm{V} to a $$point at $$2\,\mathrm{V}. $$What is the change in electric potential energy?

Accepted Answer

$$-8\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why electric potential is considered a scalar function, unlike the electric field?

Accepted Answer

Because it only has magnitude and no direction.

Question 12

A $$3\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge is moved against an electric field over a distance of $$2\,\mathrm{m}$$, and the field strength is $$4\,\mathrm{N/C}. $$What is the work done?

Accepted Answer

$$24\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the relationship between electric potential energy ($$U) $$and electric potential ($$V$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$U = qV$$

Question 14

If a positive charge accelerates in the direction of decreasing electric potential, what happens to its electric potential energy?

Accepted Answer

It decreases.

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of potential difference?

Accepted Answer

A battery causing current to flow between its terminals.

Question 16

A $$2\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge is moved from a point at $$5\,\mathrm{V} to a $$point at $$-3\,\mathrm{V}. $$What is the change in electric potential energy?

Accepted Answer

$$-16\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 17

Which of the following correctly describes the direction of the electric field relative to the electric potential?

Accepted Answer

The electric field points in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

Question 18

A $$1\,\mathrm{C}$$ charge is moved through a potential difference of $$-10\,\mathrm{V}. $$What is the change in electric potential energy?

Accepted Answer

$$-10\,\mathrm{J}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct formula for the work done by a conservative force in moving a charge $$q$$ from point A to point B in an electric field?

Accepted Answer

$$W = q(V_B - V_A)$$

Electric Potential and Potential Difference: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards