# Electrostatic Potential

Suppose I am given a charge density $\rho(x)$. Poisson's equation states that

$$\frac{d^2\phi}{dx^2} = -\frac{\rho}{\epsilon}$$

Is there a simple way to see what the characteristic strength of the electrostatic potential should be from a dimensional analysis?

• I think first you'll have to define what you mean by the "characteristic strength" of the potential. AFAIK that isn't a term that's widely used in electrostatics. – The Photon Feb 18 '17 at 16:56
• By this I simply mean: What will its order of magnitude be. – user13514 Feb 18 '17 at 23:37

$$V=\frac{Q}{C}$$
The capacitance is, of course, given by the geometry. Ignoring fringing effects, $C=\varepsilon A/d$. So, we have
$$V=\frac{Qd}{\varepsilon A}$$
That is, if charges $+Q$ and $-Q$ are spread in sheets of area $A$ and separated by distance $d$, there must be a potential difference between the two charged regions that depends not just on the amount of charge, but also on the distance between them, the size of the areas they're spread over, and the properties of the material between them.