Show that units of V/m and N/m for electric field strength are indeed equivalent.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The units V/m and N/m are equivalent.

Step by step solution

01

Principle

In a homogeneous electric field of magnitude E , the potential difference between two locations separated by a distance d is

ΔV=Ed..................................................(1)

The electric force Fe at any point due to a test charge q and electric fieldE is given by,

E=Feq................................................(2)

02

Explanation

The electric field strength is, according to Equation (1), equal to:

E=Feq

Where Fe is measured in Newton and q is in Coulombs, therefore, the electric field strength is measured in Newton/Coulomb or N/C.

From equation (2), electric field strength is:

E=ΔVd

Where Vis measured in volts and d is measured in meters, the electric field strength is measured in volt/meter or V/m .

Hence, V/m is equivalent to N/m.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free