Electrostatic Potential & Capacitance
Class 12 · Electrostatic Potential & Capacitance

E = −dV/dx

Linear V → constant E. Graphs side-by-side.

Key Notes

01

Field is the negative gradient of potential: E⃗ = −∇V.

02

In 1D: E_x = −dV/dx. Steeper V slope → stronger field.

03

If V = const, E = 0.

Formulas

1D

Negative slope of V curve.

3D

Vector form.

Important Points

Equipotential surfaces have ∇V parallel to surface normal — so E ⟂ surface.

Conservative field → ∮ E⃗·dl⃗ = 0 around any loop.

E = −dV/dx notes from sciphylab (also known as SciPhy, SciPhy Lab, SciPhy Labs, Physics Lab). Class 12 physics revision for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, AP Physics 1/2/C, SAT, and CUET-UG.