Table of Contents
What is electric potential and what are its dimensions? How do you derive the dimensions of electric potential? The dimensions of electric potential is length squared mass per electric current time cubed. The volt is the SI unit of electric potential and is specified as a joule per coulomb.
Because electric potential is a created quantity, its dimension is derived from that of basic SI units. The fundamental units are also known as S.I. base units. It is recommended to indicate the dimensions of length, time, and mass in a physical quantity even if their power is zero. In this article, we will learn everything about the dimensions of electric potential, the important concepts and the dimensional formulae.
A Brief Outline
The negative of the work done by an electric field in transferring a unit positive test charge from a reference point to a specific point is the electric potential of a point. The potential is considered to be zero at the reference point. In general, the point of reference is infinity.
Important Concepts
The total work being done by an external entity in transporting a charge or system of charges from infinite to the current configuration without undergoing any velocity is referred to as the electric potential of that charge or system of charges.
Dimensional Formula of Electric Potential
The dimensional formula of electric potential is:
[M1 L2 T-3 I-1]
M = Mass, I = Current, L = Length, T = Time
Derivation of Dimensions of Electric Potential
Meanwhile, Potential energy = Charge of particle × Electric potential
Therefore, electric potential = Potential energy × [Charge of a particle]-1 – 1
Then, electric charge = electric current × time
∴ The dimensional formula of electric charge = [I1 T1] – 2
Later, Potential Energy = M × g × h – 3
The dimensions of height (h) and Mass (M) = [M0 L1 T0] and [M1 L0 T0] – 4
The dimensional formula of acceleration due to gravity (g) = [M0 L1 T-2] – 5
On replacing equation (4) and (5) in equation (3)
Potential Energy = [M1 L0 T0] × [M0 L1 T-2] × [M0 L1 T0]
Thus, the dimension of potential energy = [M1 L2 T-2] – 6
On replacing equations (2) and (6) in equation (1)
Electric potential = Potential energy × [Charge of particle]-1
Consequently, the electric potential is dimensionally characterized as [M1 L2 T-3 I-1].
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FAQs
What is the difference in electric potential?
The potential across two points (E) in an electrical circuit is described as the amount of work (W) done by an external entity in transporting a unit charge (Q) from one point to another.
What is Electric Potential Energy?
Electric potential energy is applied to the entire potential energy a single charge will hold if positioned at any location in outer space.
Could Electric Potential be zero?
Yes, it is correct. At every position on the dipole's equatorial point, the electric potential is zero.
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