What is the relationship between electric potential and potential difference?

In summary, electric potential is the amount of work required to move a unit charge from one point to another in an electric field. It is a scalar quantity and is usually defined as zero at infinity. The electric potential difference is the difference between the potentials of two points and is also known as the amount of work required to move a unit charge from one point to another. Additionally, potential can be represented as a function and the potential difference between two points in space can be calculated by subtracting the potential at one point from the potential at another point.
  • #1
steve oliver
12
0
what is electric potential?and what is the difference between electric potential and potential difference?
 
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  • #2
Electric potential at a point is defined as the amount of work one has to do to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.
As potential is simply work done, it is a scalar quantity.
So the electric potential difference is simply the difference of potentials of two points.
Alternatively you can say that it is the amount of work done to take a unit positive charge from one point to the other.
 
  • #3
Electric potential is the amount of work required to move a unit (or an imaginary) charge from a reference point to some other point in an electric field .

Electric potential does not have an absolute value and so whenever we speak of it we speak wrt another point - thus electric potential difference . (Taking some random point to be at zero potential)

Generally we define electric potential as zero at infinity .
 
  • #4
Since the electric field in stationary situation have some properities you can introduce a function P(x1,x2,x3) called potential function for which:
dP(x1,x2,x3)/dxi=Ei
where Ei is the component of the electric field in the direction of the unit vector xi (x1,x2 or x3)
the potential difference between two points p1 and p2 in the space is:
P(p2)-P(p1)
 

Related to What is the relationship between electric potential and potential difference?

1. What is electric potential difference?

Electric potential difference is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It is a measure of the amount of work needed to move a unit of electric charge between the two points.

2. How is electric potential difference calculated?

Electric potential difference is calculated by dividing the work done in moving a charge between two points by the magnitude of the charge. It is expressed in units of volts (V).

3. What is the significance of electric potential difference?

Electric potential difference is an important concept in understanding the flow of electric current. It determines the direction and strength of the electric field and is crucial in the functioning of many electrical devices.

4. How does electric potential difference relate to electric potential energy?

Electric potential difference is directly related to electric potential energy. It is the change in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electric field. Therefore, a larger potential difference means a greater change in potential energy between the two points.

5. What factors affect electric potential difference?

The factors that affect electric potential difference include the distance between the two points, the magnitude of the electric field, and the amount of charge present. Additionally, the presence of conductors or insulators can also affect the electric potential difference.

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