1
$\begingroup$

Recently learnt some physics, and I just want to check my understanding

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

Yes indeed.

  • Electric potential energy $U_e$ is the potential energy stored when charges are out of equilibrium (like gravitational potential energy when an object is lifted above the ground).

  • Electric potential is the same, but per charge, $\frac{U_e}q$. (Useful when comparing different points.)

  • An electric potential difference between two points is called voltage, $V=\frac{U_{e2} }q-\frac{U_{e1}} q$.

Voltage is a measure of the tendency of charges to move. If a charge is alone, then it has no tendency to move at all (there is no electric force pushing or pulling). If two charges are together, then their electric forces create a potential energy that depends on separation distance (just like the gravitational potential energy between a vase and the ground depends on how high up it has been placed).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ thanks so much, this is very helpful! $\endgroup$
    – perpetually_confused
    Commented Nov 6, 2020 at 14:52

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.