Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of electric charges at rest. It discusses the forces, fields, and potentials created by stationary charges and how they interact with each other. Understanding electrostatics is crucial for MDCAT students because it lays the foundation for advanced topics like electromagnetism, electric circuits, and modern physics.
Fundamental Principles of Electrostatics
Electric Charge:
Electric charge is a basic property of matter that is either positive or negative. Like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Charges are quantized; the smallest charge is that of an electron.
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×
1
0
−
19
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−1.6×10
−19
C).
Coulomb’s Law:
Coulomb’s law quantifies the force between two charges:
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∣
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1
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2
∣
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2
F=k
r
2
∣q
1
q
2
∣
Here:
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F is the electrostatic force,
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k is Coulomb’s constant (
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9
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8.99×10
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),
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1
q
1
and
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2
q
2
are the charges,
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r is the distance between the charges.
Electric Field (
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E):
An electric field is the region around a charge where its influence can be felt. It is given by:
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=
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r
2
E=
q
F
=k
r
2
Q
Here,
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Q is the source charge, and
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r is the distance from the charge.
Electric Potential (
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V):
It is defined as the work done to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to the point in the field:
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=
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Q
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V=k
r
Q
Applications of Electrostatics
Capacitors: These store electric energy based on electrostatic principles. They are extensively used in electronic circuits.
Precipitators: Electrostatic precipitators remove dust and pollutants from industrial exhaust gases.
Medical Imaging: Electrostatic principles are applied in technologies such as X-rays and CT scans.
Electric Field Control: Lightning rods and shielding devices use electrostatics to control high-voltage discharges.
MDCAT Quiz: Electrostatics
The MDCAT Quiz on Electrostatics challenges students on Coulomb’s law, electric fields, electric potential, and related concepts. Students may encounter numerical problems, conceptual questions, and applications of electrostatic principles in real-world scenarios.
Free Flashcards on Electrostatics
Free flashcards on electrostatics are invaluable in reviewing formulas, key definitions, and problem-solving strategies. Examples include charge interactions, electric field calculations, and energy stored in capacitors. Practice regularly with these flashcards to gain a firm hold on the concepts of electrostatics so that MDCAT students will not have problems in this crucial topic.
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