Electric Potential: Introduction and Calculation

This lecture introduces the concept of electric potential, explaining how it can be calculated from charges and how it relates to the electric field. The instructor covers the derivation of the potential function from known charge distributions, emphasizing the superposition principle. The relationship between the potential function and the electric field is explored, highlighting the significance of the gradient in determining the field's direction. The lecture also delves into equipotential lines and surfaces, illustrating how they are perpendicular to the gradient of the potential function. Through examples involving point charges and charge distributions, students learn how to calculate and interpret the electric potential in various scenarios.