The physical meaning of electric potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of electric potential, defined as the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point, typically at infinity, to a specific point in an electric field without causing acceleration. The reference point at infinity is significant because it allows for a consistent baseline where the electric field strength diminishes, making the work required to move the charge negligible as distance increases. The electric potential between two charges, Qa and Qb, is mathematically expressed as the path integral from infinity to point B of Qa/(4 π ε0 r).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Knowledge of electrostatics and Coulomb's law
  • Basic calculus for evaluating path integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of electric potential using integrals
  • Explore the implications of electric potential in circuit theory
  • Learn about the relationship between electric potential and electric field strength
  • Investigate applications of electric potential in real-world scenarios, such as capacitors
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics and electric potential in practical applications.

bachir1994
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I read that : An electric potential (also called the electric field potential or the electrostatic potential) is the amount of work needed to move a unit positive charge from a reference point to a specific point inside the field without producing any acceleration. Typically, the reference point is Earth or a point at Infinity. I don't inderstand two things :" the reference is from infinity " ? and "without producing acceleration" ? please somewone to help me to understand this.
Thank you all .
 
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bachir1994 said:
I don't inderstand two things :" the reference is from infinity " ?
Imagine the reference is 1 light year away, a specific amount of work would be required. Now change the reference to 2 light years away, the field is very weak, so the additional work is very small. Now change to 3 light years away, the additional work is even smaller. This series happens to have a finite limit as the distance goes to infinity, which gives the voltage referenced to infinity.
 
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thank you for this explanations, so its for this that : the electric potential between two charges Qa and Qb is defined that is the path integral from infinity to B of Qa/(4 π ε0 r)
 

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