H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 12
Electric fields: force, potential and capacitors
Keep vector force and field distinct from scalar potential and energy, then use the negative potential gradient, uniform fields and capacitor graphs with explicit signs and assumptions.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Energy & Fields objective chainMotion & Forces objective chain
How the ideas connect
- Coulomb force between point charges
- Electric field strength due to a point charge
- Potential, potential energy and negative gradient
- Uniform fields, force and charged-particle motion
- Capacitance and stored electric potential energy
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Coulomb force between point charges 14(a)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02Electric field strength due to a point charge 14(b)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Potential, potential energy and negative gradient 14(c)–(f)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Uniform fields, force and charged-particle motion 14(g)–(i)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 05Capacitance and stored electric potential energy 14(j)–(k)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Electric fields: force, potential and capacitors checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Keep vector force and field distinct from scalar potential and energy, then use the negative potential gradient, uniform fields and capacitor graphs with explicit signs and assumptions.
- Coulomb force between point charges 14(a)
- Electric field strength due to a point charge 14(b)
- Potential, potential energy and negative gradient 14(c)–(f)
- Uniform fields, force and charged-particle motion 14(g)–(i)
- Capacitance and stored electric potential energy 14(j)–(k)
Course coverage and review details
Topic 14 states no explicit exclusions. Coulomb-force, point-field and point-potential equations are used for point charges in free space or air. Electric field and force are vectors; potential and potential energy are scalars. E = ΔV/d is restricted to a uniform field, while E = −dV/dr is the local negative potential gradient.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 14(a)–(k), PDF page 23. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01