Electricity(Electric potential)

  • Thread starter marvelous
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Potential
In summary, electric potential is the amount of electrical potential energy that a charged particle has in an electric field, measured in volts (V). It is different from electric potential energy, which is the stored energy of a charged particle due to its position in an electric field. Electric potential is directly proportional to the electric field strength at a point, and it can be negative if there is a net negative charge. Electric potential and voltage are similar concepts, but voltage specifically measures the potential difference between two points in an electric field.
  • #1
marvelous
7
0
Why is the electric potential constant in a conductor that is at equilibrium?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi marvelous! :smile:
marvelous said:
Why is the electric potential constant in a conductor that is at equilibrium?

hint: suppose it wasn't constant in a conductor

what would happen to an electrron? :wink:
 
  • #3
marvelous said:
Why is the electric potential constant in a conductor that is at equilibrium?

I could also ask you what you mean by "equilibrium" - the definition should involve the word "potential". :smile:
 

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electrical potential energy that a charged particle has at a certain point 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 charge at a particular point in an electric field, whereas electric potential energy is the stored energy of a charged particle due to its position in an electric field.

3. How is electric potential related to electric field?

The electric potential at a point is directly proportional to the electric field strength at that point. This means that if the electric field increases, the electric potential also increases.

4. Can electric potential be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. This occurs when there is a net negative charge at a point, causing the electric field to point towards that point.

5. What is the difference between electric potential and voltage?

Electric potential and voltage are often used interchangeably, but they are slightly different concepts. Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a particular point, while voltage is a measure of the potential difference between two points in an electric field.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
481
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
966
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
305
Replies
14
Views
747
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Back
Top