Real-World Examples of Electric Potential Energy: From Batteries to Capacitors

📚 Quick Study Guide

• ⚡ Electric potential energy is the energy a charge possesses due to its location in an electric field.
• 📏 The electric potential energy $U$ of a charge $q$ at a point with electric potential $V$ is given by: $U = qV$.
• 🔋 Batteries convert chemical energy into electrical potential energy. This energy can then be used to do work in a circuit.
• 🗜️ Capacitors store electrical energy by accumulating charge on two conductive plates separated by an insulator. The stored energy is a form of electric potential energy.
• 💡 The energy stored in a capacitor is given by: $U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$, where $C$ is the capacitance and $V$ is the voltage across the capacitor.
• 🌍 Electric potential is a scalar quantity, measured in volts (V).
• ➕ The electric potential energy increases if a positive charge moves towards a region of higher potential, or a negative charge moves towards a region of lower potential.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the correct formula for electric potential energy (U) of a charge q at a point with electric potential V?
   1. A) $U = \frac{V}{q}$
   2. B) $U = qV$
   3. C) $U = \frac{q}{V}$
   4. D) $U = qV^2$
2. What is the primary function of a battery in terms of energy conversion?
   1. A) Converting electrical energy into chemical energy
   2. B) Converting chemical energy into electrical potential energy
   3. C) Storing kinetic energy
   4. D) Dissipating electrical energy as heat
3. How is electrical energy stored in a capacitor?
   1. A) By converting it into magnetic energy
   2. B) By accumulating charge on two conductive plates
   3. C) By generating heat
   4. D) By creating a vacuum between the plates
4. What does 'C' represent in the formula $U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$ for the energy stored in a capacitor?
   1. A) Current
   2. B) Capacitance
   3. C) Charge
   4. D) Conductance
5. In what unit is electric potential measured?
   1. A) Amperes
   2. B) Ohms
   3. C) Volts
   4. D) Watts
6. What happens to the electric potential energy if a positive charge moves towards a region of higher potential?
   1. A) It decreases
   2. B) It increases
   3. C) It remains constant
   4. D) It becomes zero
7. Which of the following devices directly utilizes electric potential energy to perform work in a circuit?
   1. A) Resistor
   2. B) Inductor
   3. C) Battery
   4. D) Capacitor