key term - Electric potential

Definition

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electric potential is a scalar quantity.
2. The unit of electric potential is the volt (V), which is equivalent to one joule per coulomb (J/C).
3. Electric potential difference between two points is often referred to as voltage.
4. The electric potential at a point due to a point charge $q$ can be calculated using $V = \frac{kq}{r}$, where $k$ is Coulomb's constant and $r$ is the distance from the charge.
5. Equipotential surfaces are surfaces where the electric potential is constant; no work is done when moving a charge along these surfaces.

Review Questions

Related terms

Electric Field:

A region around a charged particle where a force would be exerted on other charges; it is represented by vectors and measured in newtons per coulomb (N/C).

Voltage:

The difference in electric potential between two points; also known as electric potential difference.

Equipotential Surface:

A surface on which all points have the same electric potential, meaning no work is needed to move a charge anywhere on this surface.