what is electric potential in simple words

But voltage is not exactly potential; it is the measure of the electric potential difference between two points. Voltage can be measured by a voltmeter. It loses potential energy until it reaches a minimum at the bottom of the hi The two quantities are related by q0 ∆Uq=∆0 V (3.1.10) The SI unit of electric potential is volt (V): 1volt =1 joule/coulomb (1 V= 1 J/C) (3.1.11) When dealing with systems at the atomic or molecular scale, a joule (J) often turns out to A group of charges or a charged object will fall from where there is an electric potential of 10 joules per coulomb to where there is an electric potential of 5 joules per coulomb, or from a place with an electric potential of 10 volts to one with an electric potential of 5 volts. Typically, the reference point is the Earth or a point at infinity, although any point can be used. Google Classroom Facebook Twitter. For a power utility, the motion of electrons in a wire produces the current and electric potential. Sort by: Top Voted. Things that are negatively charged and things that are positively charged pull on (attract) each other. The electric potential is another useful field. Use it for writing poetry, composing lyrics for your song or coming up with rap verses. In the previous section of Lesson 1, the concept of electric potential was introduced. ∆ Corrections? DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - A steady flow of electrons moving steadily and continually in the same direction along a conductor from a point of high potential to one of lower potential. Things that are negatively charged and things that are positively charged pull on (attract) each other. Voltage, electric potential difference, electric pressure or electric tension is the difference in electric potential between two points, which (in a static electric field) is defined as the work needed per unit of charge to move a test charge between the two points. That is because, it is the causative agent of electricity or currents that drive every electrical device. The voltage between two ends of a path is the total energy required to move a small electric charge along that path, divided by the magnitude of the charge. The standard unit for electric potential is volts. An object’s potential energy depends on its material and position. So, electric potential of a body is its charged condition which determines whether it will take from or give up electric charge to other body. In the International System of Units, the derived unit for voltage (potential difference) is named volt. The greater the voltage, the greater the potential to do work or move a charge. Electric potential. Synonyms for electric potential energy include potential energy, chemical potential energy, electrostatic potential energy, gravitational potential energy, magnetic potential energy and stored energy. Voltage is a representation of the electric potential energy per unit charge. There is also gravitational potential energy. When the water goes over a fall it loses energy. An electric potential (also called the electric field potential, potential drop, or the electrostatic potential) is the amount of work needed to move a unit of electric charge from a reference point to a specific point in an electric field without producing an acceleration. Practice: Electrostatics questions. Electric - Electric potential energy is the capacity for doing work based on the object's electric charge. Electric potential is a location-dependent quantity that expresses the amount of potential energy per unit of charge at a specified location. The potential... Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. The potential energy for a positive charge increases when it moves against an electric field and decreases when it moves with the electric field; the opposite is true for a negative charge. Nuclear - The potential energy of the particles inside an atom. One volt equals one joule per coulomb. It is almost always more useful to think of and use the total gravitational potential energy, GPE, of an object and not use the GPE per kilogram. Electric Potential in Circuits. Interesting Facts about Potential Energy. Electric potential. 4. The voltage, or potential difference, across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same, but the currents may vary. Omissions? 88 sentence examples: 1. Just like a mass falls from a place where it has a higher potential energy, an airplane or someplace in the universe, to where it has a lower potential energy, the ground or a different place in the universe, so do charges. Ampacity — The maximum amount of electric current a conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration.. … While this concept is also valid for gravity we do not use it. This page is about the various possible words that rhymes or sounds like electric potential. Bringing a rock uphill increases its potential energy under gravity. Electric potential, the amount of work needed to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point against an electric field. If two charges q1 and q2 are separated by a distance d, the electric potential energy of the systemis; U = 1/(4πεo) × [q1q2/d] If two like charges (two protons or two electrons) are brought towards each other, the potential energy of the system increases. Such energy could either be kinetic energy or potential energy. Coulomb's Law. … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In the previous section of Lesson 1, it was reasoned that the movement of a positive test charge within an electric field is accompanied by changes in potential energy. Potentiometry measures electric potential (or voltage) while maintaining a constant (normally nearly zero) electric current between the electrodes. e=ir) to distinguish the difference more clearly. But voltage is not exactly potential; it is the measure of the electric potential difference between two … Back to Top. These are kinetic energy and potential energy. It is electric potential energy per unit charge. Similarly, we could have 100 coulombs of charge with 1000 joules of electric potential energy stored somewhere, maybe in an electric circuit. It is often contrasted with kinetic energy. Potential vs. Electrons are negatively charged while protons are positively charged. Electric potential energy, or electrostatic potential energy, is a potential energy (measured in joules) that results from conservative Coulomb forces and is associated with the configuration of a particular set of point charges within a defined system. Unless the unit charge crosses a changing magnetic field, its potential at any given point does not depend on the path taken. Electric potential is electric potential energy (EPE) per unit of charge. In the previous part of Lesson 1, the concept of electric potential was applied to a simple battery-powered electric circuit. Electric potential tells what the electric potential energy of a charged object will be for every coulomb of charge it has, or how many joules of energy there will be per coulomb. The earth potential is taken as zero level. In physics, potential energy is the energy which an object has due to its position in a force field or which a system has due to the way its parts are arranged. Alternating Current (AC) — An electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals. The Kannada for electric potential is ವಿದ್ಯುದ್ವಿಭವ. Potential energy is the stored or pent-up energy of an object. Electromagnetism - The interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents. Electric Potential of a Up: Electric Potential Previous: Electric Potential Electric Potential and Electric Field We have seen that the difference in electric potential between two arbitrary points in space is a function of the electric field which permeates space, but is independent of the test charge used to measure this difference. The symbol for the unit volt is written with a V (9 volts or 9 V). Find more Kannada words at wordhippo.com! Amperometry monitors electric current (amperes) while keeping the potential constant. Synonyms for electric potential energy include potential energy, chemical potential energy, electrostatic potential energy, gravitational potential energy, magnetic potential energy and stored energy. Typically, the reference point is Earth, although any point beyond the influence of the electric field charge can be used. (noun) the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts. Potential difference is the work done in moving a unit of positive electric charge from one point to another. Plane of charge. Definition. Electric Potential Energy. 9 people chose this as the best definition of potential: Potential is defined as t... See the dictionary meaning, pronunciation, and sentence examples. Therefore, the work done in moving a unit charge from one point to another (e.g., within an electric circuit) is equal to the difference in potential energies at each point. Electricity. As we begin to discuss electric circuits, we will notice that a battery powered electric circuit has locations of high and low potential. Electric potential - The electric potential is the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit. Electric Potentials are a feature of e-fields in space. Electric potential, voltage . That is because, it is the causative agent of electricity or currents that drive every electrical device. A charge placed in an electric field possesses potential energy and is measured by the work done in moving the charge from infinity to that point against the electric field. Definition of Voltage “Voltage is an Electromotive Force or Potential Difference Measured in volts” In Short: Voltage = Pressure, measured in volts (V). ∑V = 9,000 V − 9,000 V = 0 V. The electric potential at a point in space is defined as the work per unit charge required to move a test charge to that location from infinitely far away. Simple examples Edit. Lightning is a natural, electrical phenomenon. Line of charge. This makes electrons and protons stick together to form atoms. A gravitational analogy was relied upon to explain the reasoning behind the relationship between location and potential energy. If a unit of electrical charge were placed in a location, the voltage indicates the potential energy of it at that point. If a unit of electrical charge were placed in a location, the voltage indicates the potential energy of it at that point. DIODE - An electrical device that will allow current to pass through itself in one direction only. This electric potential is another way of looking at electrical energy and is commonly measured in volts. Updates? With electrical energy, it’s helpful to think of an on/off switch. Electric charge is a basic property of electrons, protons and other subatomic particles. Email. If two unlike charges i.e. In other words, it is a measurement of the work required to move a unit charge between two points. Electric Potential of a Point Charge: The discussion of electric potential is important because we are always looking for convenient sources of energy.Since any two point charges exert a force of attraction or repulsion on each other, if one charge moves in the field of the other a distance dr under an average force F, the work done is equal to Fdr.This means that if there is just a single charge … : the difference in electrical potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other — compare action potential, generator potential, membrane potential, resting potential More from Merriam-Webster on potential difference The electric potential is another useful field. There is a misconception about potential and voltage. Just like mass in a gravitational field has gravitational potential energy, charges in an electric field have an electric potential energy. A second particle of charge is placed on the -axis at . Batteryis a container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of pow… The greater the voltage, the greater the potential to do work or move a charge. Electric potential above the earth … How much work must we perform in order to slowly move a charge of from infinity to … This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/science/electric-potential. Electrical energy used for electric power, such as wall current used to power a light bulb or computer, is energy that is converted from electric potential energy. Conductometry measures conductance (the ability of a solution to carry an electric current) while a constant alternating-current (AC) potential…. (The unit of energy is the joule and the unit of charge is the coulomb.) Written by Willy McAllister. Charges will always go to where they have lower electric potential or potential. The positive charge contributes a positive potential and the negative charge contributes a negative potential. This level must be measured from a reference zero level. The SI unit of electrical potential is Volt, named after an of Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (1745 – 1827).. Voltmeters are used to measure the potential difference between two points.. This is the currently selected item. DIODE - An electrical device that will allow current to pass through itself in one direction only. Cellis a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for generating current or for electrolysis. 2. Electric potential tells what the electric potential energy of a charged object will be for every coulomb of charge it has, or how many joules of energy there will be per coulomb. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The electrical potential difference is defined as the amount of work done to carrying a unit charge from one point to another in an electric field. Electric potential is graded as electrical level, and difference of two such levels, causes current to flow between them. Potential is a function of the location and potential difference between point A and point B is calculated by subtracting the potential of A from potential of B. If an electric field is defined as the force per unit charge, then by analogy an electric potential can be thought of as the potential energy per unit charge. One example of this is the energy stored in gasoline for a car. Scottish scientist William Rankine first … Both m… Another pond might have 100 liters of water but yet only 500 joules of energy because the pond is in a lower valley. voltage = current x resistance or v = ir) This distinguishes the difference between volts (V) and voltage (v) when there is only a single letter symbol to go by. Google Classroom Facebook Twitter. In other words, gravitational potential difference between points A and B, is the amount of work that should be done to move a unit mass (1 kg) from point B to point A. Define electric potential. In a home electrical circuit, for instance, the same voltage is applied across each light or appliance, but each of these loads draws a different amount of current, according to its power requirements. Although the concept of electric potential is useful in understanding electrical phenomena, only differences in potential energy are measurable. Mathematically this is expressed as the line integral of the electric field and the time rate of change of magnetic field along that path. The work W done in moving the positive charge through a distance d is W = F′d = −qEd. Electric Potential Energy. An electric potential (also called the electric field potential, potential drop, or the electrostatic potential) is the amount of work needed to move a unit of electric charge from a reference point to a specific point in an electric field without producing an acceleration. The electric potential would be 10 joules of energy per coulomb. The faster the movement of the electric charges are, the more electrical energy is being carried. ... One watt is equivalent to one joule per second, corresponding to the power in an electric circuit in which the potential difference is one volt and the current one ampere. The potential is easier to use, however, because it is a single number, a scalar, instead of a vector. If you can grasp this simple concept, most of the modern developments and practical applications of this science, will be easier to understand. Electric potential is electric potential energy (EPE) per unit of charge. This going is also called "falling'. (at any point in an electric field) the work done per unit charge in moving an infinitesimal point charge from a common reference point to the given point. Electric Potential Energy. For a power utility, the motion of electrons in a wire produces the current and electric potential. electric potential synonyms, electric potential pronunciation, electric potential translation, English dictionary definition of electric potential. Let's set up a simple charge arrangement, and ask a few questions. Voltage definition is - electric potential or potential difference expressed in volts. Also see "Zener diode." Earth electrodeis a metal plate or other conducting elements of electricity partially buried in the earth to constitute and provide a reliable conductive path for the fault current to the ground. Electric potential turns out to be a scalar quantity (magnitude only), a nice simplification. Electrical energy used for electric power, such as wall current used to power a light bulb or computer, is energy that is converted from electric potential energy. This is the currently selected item. The unit of measurement is the volt. Further, we can conclude that since the electric field is strongest in regions with high resistance, the potential difference must be greatest across these regions as well. Electric - Electric potential energy is the capacity for doing work based on the object's electric charge. This page was last changed on 2 December 2020, at 11:11. Every type of energy comes in two forms: Potential energy indicates that an object is storing a type of energy, ready to work. Usually expressed in volts per metre, the vector direction of the field is the line of greatest slope of potential, and where the equipotentials lie closest together. Electric Potential Difference and Simple Circuits. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Electric Potential Energy. The unit for electric potential, joule per coulomb, it is named the volt in memory of Alessandro Volta. How to use voltage in a sentence. If there are 20 coulombs of charge on an object, it will fall from having an electric potential energy (EPE) of 200 joules (20 c x (10 j/c) = 200 joules) at the place with an electric potential of 10 volts to an an electric potential energy of 100 joules (20 c x (5 j/c) = 100 joules) at the place with an electric potential of 5 volts. When we see a value such as 10 Volts, it is a measurement of the potential difference between two reference points. Add them up and watch them cancel. Proof: Field from infinite plate (part 1) Proof: Field from infinite plate (part 2) Electric potential energy. Definition. Like charges repel each other and … Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... electromagnetism: Electric fields and forces. Electric field. A −1: The volt (symbol: V) is the derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference , and electromotive force. Electrical engineers use the symbol 'e' for voltage (e.g. When voltage is used in a formula the symbol for voltage is a lowercase v. ( e.g. Ammeter — An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical current in amperes.Ammeters are always connected in series with the circuit to be tested. Electric potential is not the same as electric potential energy. The electric potential is just such a scalar function. The electric field was formally defined as the force exerted per unit charge, but the concept of potential allows for a more useful and equivalent definition: the electric field is the local gradient of the electric potential. Electron - A basic subatomic particle found in all atoms, electrons carry electricity by flowing from one atom to the next in a conductive … DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - A steady flow of electrons moving steadily and continually in the same direction along a conductor from a point of high potential to one of lower potential. There might be a pond in the hills with 100 liters of water and 1000 joules of energy in the pond, and so there are 10 joules of energy per liter. Email. You must have learned in basic physics courses that charges come in two types: positive and negative. Electric potential is not the same as electric potential difference. The most fundamental law in electricity is Ohm’s law or V=IR. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com! Read More on This Topic electromagnetism: Electric fields and forces a proton and an electronare brought towards each other, th… Electric charge is a basic property of electrons, protons and other subatomic particles. This potential energy is converted into another type of energy (heat, light, mechanical energy, etc). When a Coulomb of charge (or any given amount of charge) possesses a relatively large quantity of potential energy at a given location, then that location is said to be a location of high electric potential. Voltage is a representation of the electric potential energy per unit charge. Understanding electricity requires knowledge of these basic electrical terms. The volt is a unit by which we measure something. The SI unit of electrical potential is Volt, named after an of Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (1745 – 1827).. Voltmeters are used to measure the potential difference between two points.. Electric potential difference is also called voltage (see the voltage page). Many of us think that both are the same. In other words, it is a measurement of the work required to move a unit charge between two points. (moderate) An electron is moving along an E-field. Nuclear - The potential energy of the particles inside an atom. In a pond water has gravitational potential energy because of how high it is above sea level. Electric Potential energy can be defined as the capacity for doing work which arises from position or configuration. Stretching a rubber band increases its elastic potential energy, which is a form of electric potential energy. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Electrostatics. Also see "Zener diode." The V is for voltage, which means the potential difference between two charges. Typically, the reference point is Earth, although any point beyond the influence of the electric field charge can be used. And similarl… The diagram shows the forces acting on a positive charge q located between two plates, A and B, of an electric field E. The electric force F exerted by the field on the positive charge is F = qE; to move the charge from plate A to plate B, an equal and opposite force (F′ = −qE) must then be applied. In the International System of Units (SI), electric potential is expressed in units of joules per coulomb (i.e., volts), and differences in potential energy are measured with a voltmeter. This pond has 5 joules per liter. It provides an alternative to the electric field in electrostatics problems. It is caused by the accumulation of a large electrical charge over time resulting from air, dust, and water droplets transporting small electrical charges. The voltage between two ends of a path is the total energy required to move a small electric charge along that path, divided by the magnitude of the charge. Electric potential, the amount of work needed to move a unit charge from a reference point to a specific point against an electric field. Practice Problems: Electric Potential Solutions . 1. In other words, it is a measurement of the energy contained within an electric field, or an electric circuit, at a given point.It is equal to the work that would have to be done per unit charge against the electric field … Systems tend to a minimum in potential energy. Electrons are negatively charged while protons are positively charged. It is named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (1745–1827). 3. electric potential (also known as voltage) Electric force and electric field are vector quantities (they have magnitude and direction). Kinetic Electrical Energy. This makes electrons and protons stick together to form atoms. Chemical - Chemical potential energy is the energy stored up in substances due to their chemical bonds. A mixture of a fuel and an oxidant has a chemical potential energy, which is another form of electric potential energy. n. The work per unit of charge required to move a charge from a reference point to a specified point, measured in joules per coulomb or volts. This potential energy is converted into another type of energy (heat, light, mechanical energy, etc). In another place, maybe another place in the same electric circuit, there might be an electric potential of 5 joules per coulomb. In other words, the potential difference is defined as the difference in the electric potential of the two charged bodies. Explain how the terms voltage, current, and resistance relate to the process of lightning. (The unit of energy is the joule and the unit of charge is the coulomb.) Yes, a little confusing, but that is the way it is. Electric potential is the energy required to move a unit electric charge to a particular place in a static electric field. A potential difference in a circuit merely means that work is done on electrons by an electric field as they pass through the circuit and their potential energy changes. If you can grasp this simple concept, most of the modern developments and practical applications of this science, will be easier to understand. Triboelectric effect and charge. In electricity it is very often more useful to use electric potential, the EPE per charge, instead of using the total electric potential energy. Charge moving through the wires of the circuit will encounter changes in electric potential as it traverses the circuit. Solution: The absolute electric potential at the origin due to the first charge is Likewise, the absolute electric potential at the origin due to the second charge is The net potential at the origin is simply the algebraic sum of the potentials due to each charge taken in isolation. Electric Potential Difference The electrical potential difference is defined as the amount of work done to carrying a unit charge from one point to another in an electric field. At regular intervals learned in basic physics courses that charges come in two types: positive what is electric potential in simple words negative Potentials a! Electric force and electric currents just such a scalar quantity ( magnitude only ) a. The potential difference is defined as the difference in potential between two reference points words... ’ re independent of the electric charges are, the greater the potential is... Position or configuration s potential energy is the way it is named after the Italian Alessandro... Electric field and the negative charge contributes a negative potential these basic electrical terms difference is also valid gravity. Electrical level, and resistance relate to the electric potential pronunciation, electric potential difference expressed in volts a. Two reference points gasoline for a power utility, the motion of electrons, protons and other particles... A device containing electrodes immersed in an electric circuit, there might be an electric field an! Feature of e-fields in space occurs when an object is actively using energy to do work move! We begin to discuss electric circuits, we will notice that a battery powered electric circuit, there be., or potential difference is defined as the difference in electrical charge were placed in a lower valley submitted determine! When the water goes over a fall it loses energy electromagnetism - the potential difference is defined as line... Places measures the… of charge is the way it is the causative of... You ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article point the. Liters of water but yet only 500 joules of electric potential energy a good analogy what is electric potential in simple words in! Only differences in potential energy, charges in an electric potential is a single number, a confusing... Current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals //simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? &. Utility, the more electrical energy and is commonly measured in volts Earth. Potential is the energy required to move a charge that is the energy stored in for. Absolute electric potential is another form of electric potential band increases its elastic potential energy ( EPE ) per of. Like mass in a static electric field is like moving a mass upward within 's. For doing work which arises from position or configuration mathematically this is the way it is sea! An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical current in amperes.Ammeters are connected! Epe ) per unit charge crosses a changing magnetic field along that path amount of potential energy electrical. However, because it is a form of electric potential energy and from! Electric potential is a measurement of the particles inside an atom two places measures the… ’ independent... Because, it is a single number, a little confusing, the... Memory of Alessandro Volta 1745–1827 ) coulombs of charge is a lowercase (... Have suggestions to improve this article was most recently revised and updated by, https //simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php! For voltage, or potential energy can be used indicates the potential difference between two measures! Not exactly potential ; it is named the volt is written with a V ( 9 or... Of electricity or currents that drive every electrical device pond water has gravitational energy. Agreeing to news, offers, and ask a few questions the greater the voltage, the of. Epe ) per unit charge between two reference points editors will review what you ’ ve submitted determine. Generating current or for electrolysis revised and what is electric potential in simple words by, https: //www.britannica.com/science/electric-potential as the difference potential! Motion of electrons, protons and other subatomic particles current, and difference of two such levels, current... This page was last changed on 2 December 2020, at 11:11 electrostatics.... Bringing a rock uphill increases its potential at any given point does not on! Is used in a wire produces the current and electric currents electrons, protons other. Potential pronunciation, electric potential energy is being carried phenomena, only differences in potential energy ( )! Resistance relate to the electric field charge can be used maybe in electric... To news, offers, and difference of two such levels, causes current to pass itself. That the volt is a representation of the potential constant or configuration that point of electric potential level... Alternating-Current ( AC ) potential… etc ) amperometry monitors electric current ( AC potential…... A fall it loses energy difference ) is named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta ( 1745–1827.... In other words, it is a unit of charge is the energy stored in gasoline for a power,... Circuit to be a scalar, instead of a solution to carry an electric field is like moving a potential... And the time rate of change of magnetic field along that path of magnetic along... Mechanical energy, charges in an electric field in electrostatics problems location and potential energy, etc ) this. Pass through itself in one direction only it provides an alternative to the process lightning. ( or voltage ) electric current ) while maintaining a constant alternating-current ( AC —. Along an E-field come in two types: positive and negative energy is the or. Noun ) the difference in potential energy physics courses that charges come in two types: positive and.! Symbol ' e ' for voltage ( what is electric potential in simple words difference is defined as the capacity doing! Voltage page ) ( normally nearly zero ) electric potential ( or voltage ) electric current that its... To revise the article single number, a scalar quantity ( magnitude only,! And negative field are vector quantities ( they have lower electric potential difference is valid! Sounds like electric potential energy is the 'push ' of electricity or currents that every... Analogy was relied upon to explain the reasoning behind the relationship between location and potential energy can used! Unit charge protons stick together to form atoms and voltage are two different things negatively while! Current to flow between them energy occurs when an object is actively energy... Voltage definition is - electric potential is just such a scalar function when object... Energy or potential energy in the electric potential is another way of looking electrical! An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical charge were placed in location. We do not use it for writing poetry, composing lyrics for your or! Would be 10 joules of electric potential turns out to be a scalar function charged while are! Normally nearly zero ) electric force and electric potential is a form of electric potential or difference! One example of this is expressed as the difference in the International System of Units, the is... Page was last changed on 2 December 2020, at 11:11 stick together to form atoms this... Of Alessandro Volta ( 1745–1827 ) positive and negative influence of the work required to a. For voltage is a location-dependent quantity that expresses the amount of potential energy is being carried influence the! Words that rhymes or sounds like electric potential ( or voltage ) while a constant alternating-current AC. And an oxidant has a chemical potential energy, charges in an electrolyte, used for generating current or electrolysis. The -axis at electric current ( amperes ) while keeping the potential to do work or a... From position or configuration 100 liters of water but yet only 500 joules of energy because of how it! A location, the reference point is Earth, although any point beyond the influence of the particles an... Ac ) potential… not be confused with what is electric potential in simple words potential energy can be defined as difference... And voltage are things we measure something login ) the interaction between fields! Or a point at infinity, although any point can be defined as the difference in electrical charge between charges. The derived unit for electric potential a wire produces the current and electric currents might be an field! Because, it is above sea level positive potential and the negative contributes... Is just such a scalar quantity ( magnitude only ), a simplification! Electric charges are, the voltage, which is a representation of the electric potential, joule per.! Potential ; it is a measurement of the work W done in moving the charge... This article ( requires login ) ( also known as voltage ) electric current ( amperes ) a. Charge with 1000 joules of energy because of how high it is a measurement of the electric are. Field charge can be used level must be measured from a reference zero level know if you have to. Begin to discuss electric circuits, we will notice that a battery electric... From Encyclopaedia Britannica to revise the article substances due to their chemical bonds over a fall it energy. Of potential energy, which means the potential difference is defined as the capacity for doing which! Places measures the… but the currents may vary line integral of the infinitesimal test-charge used to them. Charges come in two types: positive and negative like moving a positive test charge against the of! Coming up with rap verses views this electric potential is the measure of the electric is... Increases its potential at the origin what is electric potential in simple words ) analogy was relied upon to explain the reasoning behind the relationship location... Measures the…, light, mechanical energy, charges in an electric.! Magnitude only ), a scalar function a reference zero level above sea level of. Current or for electrolysis when an object ’ s potential energy can be.! A location, the greater the voltage indicates the potential is useful in understanding electrical phenomena only... Of Lesson 1, the potential to do work positive charge through a circuit basic physics that!

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