1. What is a Voltage Potential Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the electric potential (voltage) at a point due to a point charge using Coulomb's law.

Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and physicists determine the electric potential in volts at a specific distance from a charged particle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Electric potential (Volts, V)
• \( k \) — Coulomb's constant (8.987 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)
• \( Q \) — Charge (Coulombs, C)
• \( r \) — Distance from charge (meters, m)

Explanation: The electric potential is directly proportional to the charge and inversely proportional to the distance from the charge.

3. Importance of Voltage Potential Calculation

Details: Understanding electric potential is crucial for designing electrical systems, analyzing circuits, and studying electromagnetic fields.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the charge in Coulombs, distance in meters, and Coulomb's constant (default 8.987×10⁹ N·m²/C²). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Coulomb's constant?
A: It's the proportionality constant in Coulomb's law, approximately 8.987×10⁹ N·m²/C² in a vacuum.

Q2: What's a typical charge value?
A: Elementary charge is 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ C. Practical charges range from nanocoulombs (10⁻⁹) to millicoulombs (10⁻³).

Q3: Does distance affect potential significantly?
A: Yes, potential decreases with distance following an inverse relationship (1/r).

Q4: Can I use this for multiple charges?
A: No, this calculates potential for a single point charge. For multiple charges, you'd sum the potentials.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: Use SI units - Coulombs for charge, meters for distance, and the calculator will output Volts.