Electric potential and electric potential energy

In summary, electric potential and electric potential energy are related but not the same. Electric potential is the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to a point against the electric force, while electric potential energy is the work done in assembling a charge from infinity to a point against the electric force. Electric potential is measured in volts, while electric potential energy is measured in joules.
  • #1
logearav
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Homework Statement




Are Electric potential and Electrical Potential Energy same or different?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Electric Potential at a point is defined as the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against the electric force.
Electric Potential Energy is defined as the work done to assemble the charge, for example we have a charge Q at a point and some other charge say Q1 is brought near to Q from infinity. So we are doing some work in bringing this charge Q1 from nowhere to some point against the electric force of Q. So this is also Electric Potential but we give the name Potential energy. Can some clarify the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy?
 
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  • #2
hi logearav! :smile:

electric potential is defined as electric potential energy per charge

(similarly, gravitational potential is defined as gravitational potential energy per mass: gh = mgh/m)
 

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of work required to move a unit of positive charge from one point to another in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

2. How is electric potential different from electric potential energy?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit of charge at a specific point in an electric field. Electric potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy that a charge possesses due to its position in an electric field.

3. How does electric potential affect the movement of charges?

Electric potential determines the direction and speed of charged particles in an electric field. Charged particles will move from areas of high potential to areas of low potential, similar to how objects roll downhill from a higher elevation to a lower one.

4. What factors affect electric potential and electric potential energy?

The factors that affect electric potential and electric potential energy include the distance between charges, the magnitude of the charges, and the medium in which the charges are located. Additionally, the presence of conductors or insulators can also impact these values.

5. How is electric potential and electric potential energy used in real-world applications?

Electric potential and electric potential energy are essential concepts in understanding and designing electrical circuits, such as those used in electronic devices. They are also crucial in the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry, among others.

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