Path Independence: Difference between revisions

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by Elisa Mercando
PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THIS PAGE. COPY THIS TEMPLATE AND PASTE IT INTO A NEW PAGE FOR YOUR TOPIC.


==Path Independence==
Short Description of Topic


The potential difference between two locations does not depend on the path taken between the locations chosen.
==The Main Idea==
 
State, in your own words, the main idea for this topic
Electric Field of Capacitor


===A Mathematical Model===
===A Mathematical Model===


In order to find the potential difference between two locations, we use this formula <math> dV = -\left(E_x*dx + E_y*dy + E_z*dz\right) </math>where '''E''' is the electric field with components in the x, y, and z directions. Delta x, y, and z are the components of final location minus to the components of the initial location.
What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic.  For example <math>{\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net}</math> where '''p''' is the momentum of the system and '''F''' is the net force from the surroundings.


===A Computational Model===
===A Computational Model===
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How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here [https://trinket.io/glowscript/31d0f9ad9e Teach hands-on with GlowScript]
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here [https://trinket.io/glowscript/31d0f9ad9e Teach hands-on with GlowScript]


=Simple Example=
==Examples==
[[File:pathindependence.png]]
 
In this example, the electric field is equal to <math> E = \left(E_x, 0, 0\right)</math>. The initial location is A and the final location is C. In order to find the potential difference between A and C, we use <math>dV = V_C - V_A </math>.
 
Since there are no y and z components of the electric field, the potential difference is <math> dV = -\left(E_x*\left(x_1 - 0\right) + 0*\left(-y_1 - 0\right) + 0*0\right)  = -E_x*x_1</math>
 
[[File:BC.png]]
 
Let's say there is a location B at <math> \left(x_1, 0, 0\right) </math>. Now in order to find the potential difference between A and C, we need to find the potential difference between A and B and then between B and C.
 
The potential difference between A and B is <math>dV = V_B - V_A = -\left(E_x*\left(x_1 - 0\right) + 0*0 + 0*0\right) = -E_x*x_1</math>.


The potential difference between B and C is <math>dV = V_C - V_B = -\left(E_x*0 + 0*\left(-y_1 - 0\right) + 0*0\right) = 0</math>.
Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible


Therefore, the potential difference A and C is <math>V_C - V_A = \left(V_C - V_B\right) + \left(V_B - V_A\right) = E_x*x_1 </math>, which is the same answer that we got when we did not use location B.
===Simple===
===Middling===
===Difficult===


==Connectedness==
==Connectedness==

Revision as of 19:12, 30 November 2015

PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THIS PAGE. COPY THIS TEMPLATE AND PASTE IT INTO A NEW PAGE FOR YOUR TOPIC.

Short Description of Topic

The Main Idea

State, in your own words, the main idea for this topic Electric Field of Capacitor

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Simple

Middling

Difficult

Connectedness

  1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
  2. How is it connected to your major?
  3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

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See also

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Further reading

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External links

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References

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