Electric potential It's a fundamental concept in understanding In this chapter, we examine the relationship between voltage and electrical energy, and begin to explore some of the many applications of electricity. It covers the relationship between charge, electric Jul 23, 2025 · Electrical potential energy is the cumulative effect of the position and configuration of a charged object and its neighboring charges. The pattern of electric Potentials appears as space-filling surfaces, oriented 90deg to the e-field flux. Electric Potential Energy When a charged particle moves in an electric field, the field exerts a force that can do work on the particle. Learn from expert tutors and get exam-ready! Electric force is the force that pushes apart two like charges, or that pulls together two unlike charges. Thus V for a point charge decreases with distance, whereas E for a point charge decreases with distance squared: E = F q = k Q r 2. We know that central forces are conservative in nature i. Notice how the potential does not depend on the charge q but only on the charge distribution ρ which generates the field E. Electric potential Voltage Charged particles exert forces on each other. The electric field E is a vector. See examples of problems and solutions involving electric potential energy and electric potential. Sep 9, 2023 · Define electric potential and electric potential energy. As you may already suspect, this means that we may calculate the electric field by taking derivatives of the … Electric Potential In the study of mechanics, the concept of energy, and the conservation thereof, was extremely useful. But it turns out that one Volt is a Jul 21, 2022 · This lecture is about electric potential, electric potential energy and voltage. Explore definitions, formulas, and concepts including electric potential due to a point charge, electrostatics of conductors, capacitance and more. It’s like the electrical “height” from which a charge can “fall”. What is This physics video tutorial explains the concept of electric potential created by point charges and potential difference also known as voltage. Recall that to find the force applied by a fixed charge Q on any arbitrary test charge q, it was convenient to define the electric field, which is the f Electric Potential Difference and Simple Circuits Electric circuits, as we shall see, are all about the movement of charge between varying locations and the corresponding loss and gain of energy that accompanies this movement. For example, imagine you want to use a stone to pound a nail into a piece of wood. No need to visualize an infinitesimal test-charge. Field lines 'flow' from regions of high potential to regions of low potential. Each point-charge carries a puff of Aug 24, 2022 · The electric potential calculator allows you to obtain the electric potential at a point caused by a single point charge or a system of point charges. The advantage to Electric potential energy | Electrostatics | Electrical engineering | Khan Academy Fundraiser Khan Academy 9. This energy transforms into kinetic energy when charges are released, adhering to the conservation of energy principle. 87M subscribers Subscribe Apr 10, 2025 · 7. Oct 21, 2024 · We use the letters PE to denote electric potential energy, which has units of joules (J). In other words, we can Apr 10, 2025 · When a free positive charge q is accelerated by an electric field, it is given kinetic energy (Figure 3 2 1). The potential is a scalar (magnitude and sign (+ or -), while electric field is a vector (magnitude and direction). Feb 24, 2012 · Electric potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the amount of work to be done to bring a unit positive electric charge from infinity to that point. The change in electric potential experienced by the particles is thus: (18. 04M subscribers The energy per electron is very small in macroscopic situations like that in the previous example—a tiny fraction of a joule. Electric Field, Work, and Potential Energy Electric fields are similar to gravitational fields - both involve action-at-a-distance forces. It builds on mechanical concepts of work and energy, and defines a scalar potential V as the work done per unit charge by the electric field E. Mar 3, 2025 · In certain systems, we can calculate the potential by integrating over the electric field. 5. A material with more protons than electrons carries a positive charge, while more electrons than protons carries a negative charge. The potential V is the direct electrostatic analog of the gravitational potential energy per unit mass. Let's practice some problems to better understand the changes in potential, potential energy, and work done in moving a charge in an electric field. In just a few words, an electric potential is an energy per unit charge. AI generated definition based on: The MGH Textbook of Anesthetic Equipment, 2011 Electric Potential Difference and Simple Circuits Electric circuits, as we shall see, are all about the movement of charge between varying locations and the corresponding loss and gain of energy that accompanies this movement. In that problem the gravitational potential energy decreases as the object moves in the direction of the gravitational force that it experiences. (The unit of energy is the joule and the unit of charge is the coulomb. In simpler terms, it tells us how much work is needed to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (usually infinity) to a specific point in the electric field. 0 μC. It is much more common, for example, to use the concept of voltage (related to electric potential energy) than to deal with Apr 11, 2017 · Electric potential defines the energy of a charged particle. Within the electrochemical cells of the battery, there is an electric field established between the two May 27, 2024 · Explore the fundamentals of electric potential, its calculation methods, and diverse applications in fields like electronics and medicine. It is different from the term Voltage, although both these Apr 18, 2025 · Revision notes on Electric Potential for the Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics syllabus, written by the Physics experts at Save My Exams. com Jul 4, 2022 · Learn what electric potential energy is, how to calculate it, and how it differs from electric potential. What is the strength of the electric field in a region where the electric potential is constant? 6. Charge moving through the wires of the circuit will encounter changes in electric potential as it traverses the circuit. In the previous part of Lesson 1, the concept of electric potential was applied to a simple battery-powered electric circuit. the proton and electron move towards negative x. Oct 9, 2023 · In this article, I will teach you the concept of electric potential and potential difference. Includes topics such as why the voltage is the same everywhere inside a metal conductor. The electric field E = F /q produced by a charged particle at some position r in space is a measure of the force F the particle exerts on a test charge q, if we place the test charge at r. Sometimes electrical potential energy is confused with electric potential, however, the electric potential at a specific point in an electric field is the amount Mar 3, 2025 · 7. For example, a uniform electric field E is produced by placing a potential difference (or voltage) Δ V across two parallel metal plates, labeled A and B. Whereas, potential difference, also called voltage, is the difference of electric potentials of two charged bodies. But on a submicroscopic sc What Is Electrostatic Potential? The electrostatic potential, also known as the electric field potential, electric potential, or potential drop is defined as The amount of work done to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point inside the field without producing an acceleration. This is similar to the concept of electric field. Distinguish between electric potential and electric field. The potential at infinity is chosen to be zero. ) Examining this will tell us what voltage is needed to Electric Potential Energy The work done to move a charge from point A to B in an electric field is path independent, and the work around a closed path is zero. 7) V (r b) V (r a) = W q t = r a r b = + ∫ r b r a dl Note that (3), (6), and (7) are the fields version of Kirchoff's circuit voltage law that the algebraic sum of voltage drops around a closed loop is zero. The unit for electrostatic potential is the volt (V). Describe the relationship between potential difference and electrical potential energy. Since there is a force on the charge and it does work against to this force we can say that it must have energy for doing work. the In this chapter, we develop the concept of electric potential energy and electric potential. 1 Potential and Potential Energy In the introductory mechanics course, we have seen that gravitational force from the Earth on a particle of mass m located at a distance r from Earth’s center has an inverse-square form: Electric potential energy arises from the interaction between charged objects, where energy is stored based on their separation distance. This concept is crucial in understanding how electric charges interact and is closely related to voltage, which is the difference in Master Electric Potential with free video lessons, step-by-step explanations, practice problems, examples, and FAQs. One Coulomb is such a large amount of energy that you are likely to encounter only a few µC in practice. The unit for electric potential, joule per coulomb, it is named the The electric potential at a point in space indicates how much potential energy a coulomb of charge would have at that point. The charge is determined by comparing the number of protons and electrons present in a material. This text has been developed to meet the scope and sequence of most university physics courses (in terms of what Volume 2 is designed to deliver) and provides a foundation for a career in mathematics, science, or engineering. Charges exert electrical forces, with Electric potential Voltage Charged particles exert forces on each other. The term Electric potential refers to the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point within an electric field. Let us explore Do you know why water flows when there is a slope? The reason turns out to be the difference in the heights of the two regions, which means there is a difference in the potential energy, causing the water to flow so that a state of equilibrium is attained. An object may be said to have electric potential energy by virtue of either its own electric charge or its relative position to other electrically charged objects. Any charge creates electric potential in the space around it. The formula for electric potential energy is K Q Q r. A proton and an electron are placed at rest at the origin; in which direction do the charges move when released? the proton moves towards negative x, while the electron moves towards positive x. Learning Objectives Explain point charges and express the equation for electric potential of a point charge. 1: Prelude to Electric Potential Two terms commonly used to describe electricity are its energy and voltage, which we show in this chapter is directly related to the potential energy in a system. Students are asked to consider the role of the field and/or 3. 5. If the numbers are equal, the material is neutral. When the concept of the force of gravity and energy was discussed in Unit 5 of the Physics Classroom, it was . It measures the work done per unit charge to move a positive test charge from a reference point, often infinity, to the point in question, against the electric field. As you learned in studying gravity, a mass in a gravitational field has potential energy, which means it has the potential to accelerate and thereby increase its kinetic energy. The higher the electric potential, the more potential energy per charge. Electric potential energy is a potential energy (measured in joules) that results from conservative Coulomb forces and is associated with the configuration of a particular set of point charges within a defined system. 3: Electric Potential and Potential Difference 4. This value is measured in volts, is a scalar value (meaning it has a magnitude but no direction) and calculating the electric potential energy isn't difficult with the right information available. Lifting an object in a gravitational field requires work and increases Electric potential is electric potential energy (EPE) per unit of charge. The electric potential at a point in space indicates how much potential energy a coulomb of charge would have at that point. If "lines of force" look like wads of infinitely-thin hair, then voltage looks like stacks of infinitely-thin paper. For a detailed analysis see this. This is analogous to the Electric Potential Difference and Simple Circuits Electric circuits, as we shall see, are all about the movement of charge between varying locations and the corresponding loss and gain of energy that accompanies this movement. Explore examples of work, energy and potential in uniform and non-uniform electric fields. Electric potential is a scalar quantity and is measured in volts (V). In the previous section, we explored the relationship between voltage and energy. Understanding electric potential helps in explaining various phenomena such as how charges interact, the energy An electric field is also described as the electric force per unit charge. May 11, 2025 · Short Answer: Electric potential is the amount of work needed to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a point in an electric field. It is defined as the amount of work energy needed to move a unit of electric charge from a reference point to a specific point in an electric field. I will teach you the basic concept of electric potential with daily life examples. We will also … Explore the concept of electrical potential energy and its similarities to gravitational potential energy. Electric potential is the amount of potential energy stored in a charged body. 10) Δ V = V f i n a l V i n i t i a l = (10 V) (20 V) = 10 V and we take the opportunity to emphasize that one should be very careful with signs when using potential In Electric Charge and Electric Field, we just scratched the surface (or at least rubbed it) of electrical phenomena. As before, only the changes in the potential have any real meaning, and the change in potential energy is the negative of the work done by the electric force: ∆U = −W = −q Z r2 Electric Potential :- Electric potential, often denoted as V, is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. Electric potential is measured in joules per coulomb (i. Two of the most familiar aspects o Jul 23, 2025 · Electric potential and capacitance originate from the concept of charge. Create models of dipoles, capacitors, and more! Potential Energy: Electric Potential Formula Questions: 1) A point particle has a charge of -8. The magnitude of electric potential depends on the amount of work done in moving the object from one point to another against the electric field. Feb 15, 2023 · Electrostatic Potential Energy Just like forces exist between two objects, the potential energy is always an energy between two objects. The size of this attraction decreases What is Electric Potential? The electric potential at a point is the amount of electric potential energy that a unit positive charge would have at that point. The process is analogous to an object being accelerated by a gravitational field, as if the charge were going down an electrical hill where its electric potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, although of course the sources of the forces are very different. It explains how to calculate it given the magnitude of the electric charge, electri Electric force and electric field are vector quantities (they have magnitude and direction). If we know the field, then we can determine the force on 3. The term electrical potential is denoted by the Greek symbol Φ. You first lift the stone high above the nail, which increases the potential energy of the We have seen that the difference in electric potential between two arbitrary points in space is a function of the electric field which permeates space, but is independent of the test charge used to measure this difference. Its units are joules per coulomb Publisher Summary This chapter describes electric potential. This online Electric Potential Calculator finds the potential at a point in space created by an arbitrary system of point electric charges. Jan 25, 2023 · Electric potential is a scalar quantity that helps us understand the behaviour of charges in terms of energy. , work done on any particle moving under the influence of conservative forces does not depend on path taken by the particle but depends on initial and final positions of the particle. Electric potential, a key concept in physics, is an abstract number associated with points in space. The electric field due to a charge distribution is the vector sum of the fields produced by the Apr 10, 2025 · The plan here is to develop a relation between the electric field and the corresponding electric potential that allows you to calculate the electric field from the electric potential. What is meant by electric potential energy? Okay, so first things first – what Electric potential is defined as the quantity that relates the potential energy to the charge, expressed by the relationship V = dE/dQ, where V is the electric potential, E is potential energy, and Q is charge. These principles are crucial for understanding electrostatics and provide a foundation for advanced applications in physics and engineering. Electric potential energy Jul 23, 2025 · Electrostatic potential refers to the amount of electrical potential energy present at a specific point in space due to the presence of electric charges. Nov 4, 2015 · Yes, potentials in general can be calculated from the line-integral of a vector-field. The units of electric potential are joules per coulomb, hinting at its connection to energy. This has another name Volt. The potential is a way of characterizing the space around a charge distribution similarity to the electric field. The electric field is another way of characterizing the space around a charge distribution. For multiple charges, total potential energy is the sum of pairwise interactions Summary Explain point charges and express the equation for electric potential of a point charge. This will allow us to describe the motion of charges using energy instead of forces. For the electric Whenever you plug something into an electrical socket, don't you wonder what's going on? Well you should, as it's pretty neat. The size of this attraction decreases The electric potential difference between two locations is the ratio of the change in electric potential energy of a test charge to the magnitude of the test charge. Potential energy accounts for work done by a conservative force and gives added insight regarding energy and energy transformation without the necessity of dealing with the force directly. It gives rise to electric field and electric force, and is the basis of many electrical phenomena. Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. In that discussion, it was explained that Apr 10, 2025 · The familiar term voltage is the common name for electric potential difference. It represents how much work would be done to move a unit of positive charge from infinity to that point without causing any acceleration. Electric force and electric field are vector quantities (they have magnitude and direction). Apr 18, 2025 · Revision notes on Electric Potential for the AQA A Level Physics syllabus, written by the Physics experts at Save My Exams. Jul 5, 2024 · Learn how electric potential energy and electric potential are related to electric fields and charges. Explain electron volt and its usage in submicroscopic process. This kinetic energy can be used to do work. Determine electric potential energy given potential difference and amount of charge. We know, for example, that great amounts of electrical energy can be stored in batteries, are transmitted cross-country via currents through power lines, and may jump from clouds to explode the sap We explore what happens when charges move around (slowly) in an electric field. Give an example. Conversely, a net negative charge denotes more electrons than protons. In this section, we will explore the relationship between voltage and electric field. Discover how potential energy changes can impact kinetic energy and velocity. It is a measure of the energy stored per unit charge at that point. In that discussion, it was explained that May 6, 2024 · Definition/Introduction The Concept of Charge Electric potential and capacitance originate from the concept of charge. The electric potential energy of a charged object governs its motion in the local electric field. the proton moves towards positive x, while the electron moves towards negative x. The book provides an This online Electric Potential Calculator finds the potential at a point in space created by an arbitrary system of point electric charges. We know, for example, that great amounts of electrical energy can be stored in batteries, are transmitted cross-country via currents through power lines, and may jump from clouds to explode the sap This definition of potential energy intentionally mirrors the definition for electric force . See full list on physicsclassroom. The same will be true for the study of electrical interactions. Jul 23, 2025 · The familiar term voltage is the common name for electric potential difference. It is Electric force and electric field are vector quantities (they have magnitude and direction). The SI unit of electric potential is the volt (V). Electric potential (also called the electric field potential, potential drop, the electrostatic potential) is the difference in electric potential energy per unit of electric charge between two points in a static electric field. Jul 5, 2024 · Discover the basic concepts of Electromagnetic Theory, Electric Potential, and the physics behind it. The work done moving a charged particle in an electric field can result in the particle gaining or losing both kinetic and potential energy. Electric potential and potential difference are two of the most important terms in electric circuits. (See Figure 12. Electric potential is the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field, while capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store charge. The charge possessed by an object and the relative position of an object related to other electrically charged objects is the two elements that give an object its electric potential energy. 1. For example, every battery has two terminals, and its voltage is the potential difference between them. Recall that the electric potential V is a scalar and has no direction, whereas the electric field E is a vector. An equal number of protons and electrons May 9, 2023 · Hey everyone! Today, we are going dive into the fundamental concepts from Physics 2, covering electric potential, energy, and the relationships governing charged particles. A video clip from the Boston Museum of Science’s Theatre of Electricity helps to transition into a discussion of electrical breakdown, which is described in detail. The Electric force and electric field are vector quantities (they have magnitude and direction). The video explains how to calculate electric potential and its relationship with voltage. Electric potential energy Electric force is the force that pushes apart two like charges, or that pulls together two unlike charges. Learn electric potential energy units and various examples. Now, we’re going to learn about electric potential, which is only dependent upon the position of the object. What is the change in potential energy as a result of this movement? Answer: The change in potential energy, ∆U, can be found using the formula: ∆U = UB - UA ∆U = qVB - qVA ∆U Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Define electric potential and electric potential energy. Its units are joules per coulomb, also called volts. A gravitational potential is an Mar 28, 2024 · Solution The two particles move from a region of space where the electric potential is 20 V to a region of space where the electric potential is 10 V. e. The change in potential energy, PE, is crucial, since the work done by a conservative force is the negative of the change in potential energy; that is, W = Δ PE. This video tutorial lesson explains what is meant by electric potential and discusses why it is a purely location-dependent quantity. The size of this attraction decreases In Electric Charge and Electric Field, we just scratched the surface (or at least rubbed it) of electrical phenomena. Oct 3, 2023 · Potential and the Electric Field The potential difference between the two points at ra and rb is the work per unit charge necessary to move from ra to rb: (2. Let us investigate the relationship between electric potential and the electric field. The higher you This video provides a basic introduction into electric potential energy. In Physics 7A we tied together the idea of potential energy and force. Electric force is the force that pushes apart two like charges, or that pulls together two unlike charges. It discusses electrical potential in voltaic cells, emphasizing that it's measured … Nov 7, 2023 · Exercise 18 2 1 Electric potential increases along the x axis. , volts), and differences in potential are measured with a voltmeter. It moves from point A, with electric potential V A = +200 V, to point B, with electric potential V B = +600 V. Knowing the potential, the local value of Jul 15, 2024 · Electric Potential – Examples, Definition, Uses, FAQ’S Electric Potential is a concept in physics that quantifies the amount of potential energy a unit charge would have at a specific point in an electric field. In the case of gravitational fields, the source of the field is a massive object and the action-at-a-distance forces are exerted upon other masses. Watch now to master its formula through examples and take a quiz for practice! Electric potential at a point in space | Physics | Khan Academy khanacademymedicine 1. The unit of force is Newton and the unit of charge is Coulomb. Understand using the work and energy concepts of a charged particle on the field. Jul 2, 2025 · Learn more about Electric Potential in detail with notes, formulas, properties, uses of Electric Potential prepared by subject matter experts. If a positive test charge q in an electric field has electric potential The electric potential calculator allows you to work out the electric potential at a point either due to a single point charge or a system of point charges. Let us explore Electric potential is a way of characterizing the space around a charge distribution. Learning Objectives Define electric potential and electric potential energy. An electric potential can be used to explain the origin of an electric field. Determine the electric potential of a point charge given charge and distance. We all know that positive charges flow from a higher potential to a lower potential, but how is Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy that a unit charge has within the electric field. Electric potential turns out to be a scalar quantity (magnitude only), a nice simplification. Knowing the potential, then we can determine the potential energy of any charge that is placed in that space. Keep in mind that whenever a voltage is quoted, it is understood to be the potential difference between two points. 3. Jul 23, 2023 · Just as an object being held above the ground has mechanical potential energy, individual charges have what is called electric potential energy. The electric field due to a charge distribution is the vector sum of the fields produced by the The concept of potential is fundamental in physics. The unit of work ( or energy) is Joules , which is the same as Nm. Similarly, the potential difference between two points is defined as the work required to be done for bringing a… Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy We learned that in work power energy chapter, objects have potential energy because of their positions. Electrostatic force given Jul 23, 2025 · When a free positive charge q is accelerated by an electric field, it is given kinetic energy (Figure 7 2 1). More fundamentally, the point you choose to be zero volts is arbitrary. 2. We can define an electric potential energy, which between point charges is U ⁡ (r) = k ⁢ q ⁢ Q r, with the zero reference taken to be at infinity. It represents the work done in moving a unit positive charge from a reference point (usually infinity) to that point within the field without any acceleration. Therefore, the electric field and electric force are conservative. Discuss how potential difference and electric field strength are related. Just like two magnets that snap together when you point the North end of one magnet towards the South end of the other, two different electric charges (like a negatively-charged electron and a positively-charged proton) always want to join together. So, the electric potential Learn about Electric potential energyIntroduction We already have an introduction of work and energy while studying mechanics. We learned that the force always points in the direction of decreasing potential energy, and the magnitude of the force depends on the rate of change (slope) of potential energy with Jan 14, 2024 · Electric potential, denoted by V (or occasionally φ), is a scalar physical quantity that describes the potential energy of a unit electric charge in an electrostatic field. In that discussion, it was explained that 53 that the electric force is conservative and it allows us to calculate an electric potential energy, which as usual we will denote by U. If a proton is released from rest in an electric field, will it move in the direction of increasing or decreasing potential? Also answer this question University Physics Volume 2 is the second of a three book series that (together) covers a two- or three-semester calculus-based physics course. Arrange positive and negative charges in space and view the resulting electric field and electrostatic potential. Two of the most familiar aspects o This page explains how a voltmeter measures electric current indirectly through established galvanometer principles. It is a scalar quantity with a sign and magnitude. The electric field, on the other hand, shows the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at a point. The electric potential difference, which has units Electric Potential In the previous lecture, we’ve talked about electric potential energy which is dependent upon the charge of the object experiencing the electric field. We learn about the electric form of potential energy, and what it means to do work on a charge. Thus the unit of potential energy is JC−1= NmC−1. Also, we will learn the Khan Academy Khan Academy Nov 21, 2023 · Discover the electric potential equation with our engaging video lesson. In this session, let us know electric potential due to a point charge, electric potential due to multiple charges, and also to derive an expression for the electric field at a point due to a system of n point charges. ) Electric potential tells what the electric potential energy of a charged object will be for every coulomb of charge it has, or how many joules of energy there will be per coulomb. May 11, 2025 · Electric potential is the amount of work needed to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a point in an electric field. But what is potential? Well, we have already seen in our mechanics wikis about its definition and we … To use an analogy, when we think about the gravitational force between an object and the Earth, we had found that the gravitational potential energy of the object decreases as it gets closer and closer to the surface of the Earth. It is defined as the work required to move a charge against the electric field from a reference point to the specified location. Imagine you’re at a water park, standing at the top of a water slide. What is electricity made of? H Nov 21, 2023 · When electric current passes through an electric element in the circuit, different charge densities occur on both sides of the element leading to electrical potential. 2 Electric Potential Energy The work done to move a charge from point A to B in an electric field is path independent, and the work around a closed path is zero. The potential V is a scalar quantity and this makes V easier to work with than the This video begins with a review of electric field and electric potential, focusing on their similarities and differences and the way they are most commonly represented. The work can be expressed in terms of electric potential energy. You first lift the stone high above the nail, which increases the potential energy of the Understand what electric potential energy is and discover the electric potential energy formula. Understand how work is required to move an object within a gravitational or electric field, and how this work translates into potential energy. This is analogous to the Electric Potential in Circuits As we begin to discuss electric circuits, we will notice that a battery powered electric circuit has locations of high and low potential. In this case charge in an electric field has also potential energy because of its positions. Download a free PDF for Electric Potential to clear your doubts. The superposition principle holds for electric potential energy; the potential energy of a system of multiple charges is the sum of the potential energies of the This resource includes the following topics: potential and potential energy, electric potential in a uniform field, electric potential due to point charges, continuous charge distribution, deriving electric field from the electric potential, summary, problem-solving strategy: calculating electric potential, solved problems, conceptual questions, and additional problems. It's different from electric potential energy, but related. The unit of electric field is thus NC−1. Jan 22, 2024 · Define electric potential, voltage, and potential difference Define the electron-volt Calculate electric potential and potential difference from potential energy and electric field Describe systems in which the electron-volt is a useful unit Apply conservation of energy to electric systems 1. Plot equipotential lines and discover their relationship to the electric field. Also, we will learn the Jul 21, 2022 · This lecture is about electric potential, electric potential energy and voltage. Sep 27, 2025 · Electric potential, the amount of work needed to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point against an electric field. Jul 16, 2024 · Gravitational potential energy and electric potential energy are quite analogous. Explain point charges and express the equation for electric potential of a point charge. Oct 20, 2025 · Understand the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy with clear explanations, formulas, and MCAT tips to ace electrostatics questions. A net positive charge indicates more protons than electrons. Electric potential energy is possessed by an object by virtue of two elements, those being the charge possessed by an object itself and the relative position of an object with respect to other electrically charged objects. F → E = q test E → The new quantity Δ V is known as the electric potential difference and is based on a new scalar field , V, known as the electric potential, which, like the electric field, is created by the presence of other electric charges. Shows how voltage can be visualized as electric potential energy. To find the voltage due to a combination of point charges, you add the individual voltages as numbers Summary Define electric potential and electric potential energy.