Module 13: Electrostatics

Module 13: Electrostatics

Introduction

Electricity is a word that describes a wide range of phenomena, from lightning to what keeps atoms together. In most cases that we observe electricity, it is due to electric charges in motion, but first we want to describe electric charge at rest - electrostatics. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: 

  • Explain what an electric charge is.
  • Explain what electric charges attract or repel.
  • Identify what the variables in Coulomb's Law refer to.
  • Solve problems using Coulomb's Law applied to a system of point charges.
  • Define electric potential.
  • Define electric potential energy.
  • Differentiate between electric potential and electric potential energy.
  • Provide examples related to electrostatics.

To Do List

1. Watch the Video Lectures (links below)
2. Complete the Practice Problems (links below)
3. Take the Module 13 Quiz
4. Complete the Exam Practice Problems for Module 13

Lessons

Lesson 13.1 Electric Charge

We define positive and negative charges arbitrarily, but it is important to know the basic idea that like-sign charges repel and unlike-sign charges attract. This can easily be demonstrated, and we discuss other properties of charge.

Lesson 13.2 The Electric Force

Coulomb's Law is the basic law that tells us the strength of the force between two forces. The formula is very reminiscent of Newton's Law of Gravitation, but the numbers involved tend to be very different.

Lesson 13.3  Electric Potential 

Potential energy is energy by virtue of position. Therefore, a charge can have potential energy because its location is subject to an electric field. We define electric potential energy, but more importantly here we define electric potential - this is a property of the position without using the actual amount of charge that is located there. It is the electrical analog of height. It is potential differences that lead to the flow of charge.

Quiz

Once you have watched the lectures and completed the practice problems, you should demonstrate your understanding by taking the Module 13 Quiz. Be sure to submit the quiz before its deadline.

Coming Up

In the next Module we will learn about Electric Currents.