Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential?

1. Jan 7, 2012

S.R

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
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.

2. Relevant equations
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3. The attempt at a solution
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2. Jan 7, 2012

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
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.

3. Jan 7, 2012

S.R

Thanks, Sammy. Is electric potential referred to as voltage?

4. Jan 7, 2012

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
It often is referred to as voltage in electric circuits.

5. Jan 8, 2012

technician

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