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gradient of potential ?

HI, My lecturer ask :

gradient of potential = limit where v->0 a function

what is that function?

3 Answers

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  • cfpops
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    "A potential gradient (E) is the local space rate of change of the potential.

    In electrostatics then, it is the local space rate of change of the electric potential:

    E = - delta V / delta s

    Units are volts per meter (V/m). The electric field is the same as the potential gradient but with opposite sign."

    From Wikipedia,

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_gradient

    Hope this helps!

  • 1 decade ago

    In Physics the word “gradient” implies the limit of the ratio

    {Increment in any quantity / increment in distance}; increment in distance tending to zero.

    Velocity gradient is dv/dx where v is the velocity.

    Potential gradient is dv/dx where v is the potential.

    Pressure gradient is dp/dx where p is the pressure.

    Temperature gradient is dT/dx where T is the temperature.

    Volume gradient is dV/dx where V is the volume.

    In all these x is the distance through which the quantities change their values.

    dy/dx is simply called gradient when both y and x are distances.

  • 1 decade ago

    Well...... You've managed to confuse *me*. And I thught I knew a bit about vector calculus. The greadient of a function (in this case, field strength) is a vector function that desctibes how quickly and in what directino the field intensity is changing. But there isn't enough information here to even begin to unravel your question.

    Doug

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