Question

The electrostatic potential doesn't depend on which of the following 

(1) It depends on the charge

(2) It depends on the endpoints of the path through work done

(3) It depends on the path taken for the work done 

(4) It depends on the amount of work done 

1.  Only statement 1
2. Only statement 2 
3. Only statement 3
4. Only statement 4

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Only statement 3

CONCEPT:

• The amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge in an electric field from infinity to that point without accelerating the charge against the direction of the electric field is electrostatic potential. The electrostatic potential is given by

⇒ \(V = \frac{W}{q}\)

Where V = Electrostatic potential , W = Work , q = Charge

EXPLANATION: 

• The electrostatic potential of a charge  q is given by 

⇒ \(V = \frac{W}{q}\)

From the above equation, it is clear that the electrostatic potential depends on work and charge

• To move a charge in an electric field force that is equal to electrostatic force is to be applied.  Hence statements 1 and 4 are correct
• The work done by an electrostatic field in moving a charge from one point to another depends only on the initial and the final points and is independent of the path taken to go from one point to the other. This is the fundamental characteristic of a conservative force. Hence statement 2  is correct and statement 3  is incorrect.