Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential?

AI Thread Summary
Electric potential energy refers to the energy stored in a system due to its position in an electric field, typically associated with charged particles. In contrast, electric potential is defined as the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific location in the electric field, often referred to as voltage in circuit contexts. The units for electric potential are joules per coulomb, while electric potential energy is measured in joules. This distinction parallels gravitational concepts, where gravitational potential is measured in joules per kilogram. Understanding these differences clarifies how energy and potential relate to charged particles in electric fields.
S.R
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Homework Statement


What's the difference between electric potential energy and electric potential?

Can someone explain these concepts, simply? I don't understand any definitions I've found on the internet. Any help would be appreciated.

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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S.R said:

Homework Statement


What's the difference between electric potential energy and electric potential?

Can someone explain these concepts, simply? I don't understand any definitions I've found on the Internet. Any help would be appreciated.

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


N/A

This is not a coursework question.
Hello S.R. Welcome to PF.

electric potential energy is Potential Energy due to an electric field. It is usually applied to a particle or system of particles.

electric potential is a somewhat different concept. It can be defined as the Potential Energy per unit charge for a charged particle due Electric Field. In other words, it's the electric potential energy at a particular location that a particle with a unit charge would have.

Those are off the top of my head, so I hope my head's on straight tonight. :smile:
 
SammyS said:
Hello S.R. Welcome to PF.

electric potential energy is Potential Energy due to an electric field. It is usually applied to a particle or system of particles.

electric potential is a somewhat different concept. It can be defined as the Potential Energy per unit charge for a charged particle due Electric Field. In other words, it's the electric potential energy at a particular location that a particle with a unit charge would have.

Those are off the top of my head, so I hope my head's on straight tonight. :smile:

Thanks, Sammy. Is electric potential referred to as voltage?
 
S.R said:
Thanks, Sammy. Is electric potential referred to as voltage?
It often is referred to as voltage in electric circuits.
 
I go along with SammyS. The unit of potential is JOULE per COULOMB and the unit of potential energy is JOULE.
Potential refers to a region of space if you like and potential energy refers to a charge brought into the space.
There is a direct analogy with gravitation.
The unit of gravitational potential is JOULE per kg
The unit of gravitational potential energy is JOULE
Hope this helps
 

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