Lesson 1437 of 1524
Electric Potential
The superposition principle holds for electric potential energy; the potential energy of a system of multiple charges is the sum of the potential energies of the individual pairs
Practice this chapterThe superposition principle holds for electric potential energy; the potential energy of a system of multiple charges is the sum of the potential energies of the individual pairs We can define an electric potential energy, which between point charges is U ( r ) = k e q Q r , with the zero reference taken to be at infinity
Therefore, the electric field and electric force are conservative Electric potential is potential energy per unit charge
electric potential — potential energy per unit charge. voltage — change in potential energy of a charge moved from one point to another, divided by the charge; units of potential difference are joules per coulomb, known as volt. electron-volt — energy given to a fundamental charge accelerated through a potential difference of one volt. electric potential energy — potential energy stored in a system of charged objects due to the charges.
Worked example
What does “electric potential” mean in Electric Potential?
- 1Use the wording this chapter gives for electric potential.
- 2The book says: potential energy per unit charge.
- 3Do not use the meaning of voltage. That term means change in potential energy of a charge moved from one point to another, divided by the charge; units of potential difference are joules per coulomb, known as volt.
Result: potential energy per unit charge
Why. That is the meaning this chapter gives for electric potential.
Do not swap electric potential and voltage. electric potential means potential energy per unit charge. voltage means change in potential energy of a charge moved from one point to another, divided by the charge; units of potential difference are joules per coulomb, known as volt.
Practice margin
This chapter
A fresh set from this chapter only. Choose 10 or 20. Multiple choice and fill-in, with no repeat inside the set.