The physical meaning of electric potential

In summary, electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit positive charge from a reference point to a specific point inside an electric field without producing any acceleration. The reference point is typically Earth or a point at infinity. The voltage referenced to infinity is the finite limit of the amount of work as the distance goes to infinity. This is why the electric potential between two charges Qa and Qb is defined as the path integral from infinity to B of Qa/(4 π ε0 r).
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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)
 

Related to The physical meaning of electric potential

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is measured in volts and represents the potential energy a charged particle possesses at that point.

2. How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction. It is a measure of the energy a charged particle has at a certain point. On the other hand, electric field is a vector quantity that describes the direction and strength of the force experienced by a charged particle in an electric field.

3. What is the relationship between electric potential and electric field?

Electric potential and electric field are closely related. The electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential, meaning it is the rate of change of electric potential with respect to position. In other words, the electric field points in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

4. How is electric potential measured?

Electric potential is measured using a voltmeter, which is a device that measures the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It is typically measured in volts (V) or kilovolts (kV).

5. What is the significance of electric potential in practical applications?

Electric potential plays a crucial role in many practical applications, such as in electronics and power systems. It is used to determine the direction and magnitude of electric currents, the behavior of charged particles in electric fields, and the design of electrical circuits and devices.

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