Question

Which of the following statements are true about the electric potential or the electric potential difference? (a) The SI unit of the electric potential is volts (V). (b) The electric potential can also be expressed in units of Joules. (c) The electric potential produced by a charge at a given location provides a measure of the rate at which charge flows past that point. (d) As a positive charge moves in the direction of an electric field, it gains electric potential. (f) The electric potential difference between two points is the difference in potential energy possessed by another charge at those two points, divided by this charge.

Answer 1

Answer:

The statements in options (a) and (f) are true.

Explanation:

Electric potential: It is the amount of work done by an external force to bring a positive charge of unit magnitude from an infinite distance to a fixed point against the electric field, then this work done is called the electric potential at that point.

From the above definition, we have

$V = \dfrac{W}{Q}$

From the above formula, we obtain the SI unit J/C which is also written as a volt (V).

This means the option (a) is true but, option (b) is false.

If the work is done by an external force against the electric field in bringing the positive charge of unit magnitude taking reference at one fixed point to another fixed point, then this work done is nothing but the potential difference between these two points.

When a potential difference is created between two different points, the movement of charge takes place by itself. This means the rate of flow of charge is measured between two points if the potential difference is created between them. But, the electric potential is not responsible for the movement of charge. However, Potential difference causes the movement of charge.

From this, we can say that option (c) is false.

When a positive charge is placed in a region of the electric field, the charge displaces along the direction of the electric field on its own. So, the potential is not stored in it. This means the option (d) is also false.

From the above definition of electric potential difference, we can say that option (f) is true.