Electrical Potential Energy and Electric Potential

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Electrical potential energy is the energy associated with a specific amount of charge, measured in Joules, while electric potential refers to the energy per unit charge (1 coulomb), measured in joules per coulomb. The distinction is similar to that between gravitational potential energy and gravitational potential, where the former pertains to a specific mass and the latter to the energy associated with a unit mass. Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping concepts in electrostatics and energy transfer. The nuances between these terms highlight important principles in physics. Clarity in these definitions aids in the comprehension of electric fields and forces.
Haynes Kwon
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Hi.

Getting straight to the point, what is the difference between electrical potential energy and electric potential?
Please be as specific as you can.

Thank you.
 
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Haynes Kwon said:
Hi.

Getting straight to the point, what is the difference between electrical potential energy and electric potential?
Please be as specific as you can.

Thank you.
Electric potential energy relates to the electrical potential energy of an amount of charge...units are Joules
Electric potential is the electrical potential energy of unit charge (1 coulomb) units are joules per coulomb
In the same way gravitational potential energy refers to the gravitational energy of an object whereas gravitational potential refers to the potential energy of 1kg...difference is very subtle but important
 
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