How is electric potential related to electric potential energy?

AI Thread Summary
Electric potential is defined as the ratio of electric potential energy to electric charge, while electric potential energy is measured in Joules and electric potential in Volts. Multiplying electric potential by mass does not yield potential energy, as this confuses the concepts of electric and gravitational potential. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the dimensional differences between these terms. Dimensional analysis is suggested as a method to clarify the relationship between electric potential and electric potential energy. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for solving related problems in electromagnetism.
Lucy Yeats
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Homework Statement


I have an expression for electric potential. Can I multiply this by mass to turn it into potential energy?


Homework Equations



W=Fs ?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Electric potential is (potential energy)/(electric charge).

(potential energy)/(mass) is gravitational potential.
 
I honestly don't know anything about eletromagnetism.
I do know that "eletric potential"(measured in Volts) is not the same as "eletric potential energy" (measured in Joules)

So if I understood correctly your problem it looks like it can be solved by dimensional analysis.

Sorry, but I can't help further than that
 

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