[Physics] the relation between ‘Electric Potential’ and ‘Electric Potential Energy’

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What is the relation between ‘Electric Potential’ and ‘Electric Potential Energy’?

Best Answer

What is Electric Potential?

Electric potential (V) is the property of points in space. Electric potential can be defined in several ways:

  1. The value of the electric potential at a point in space numerically gives the amount of work that needs to be done to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.

  2. A charge $q$ is said to have a potential energy of $Vq$ if it is at a point in space which has a potential of $V$.

For example, if you place a charge $q$ at a point, space nearby will have a non-zero value of potential. The electric potential at a point due to a charge at a distance $r$ from it is given by:

$$V = \frac{kq}{r}$$

What is Electric Potential Energy?

Electric potential energy (U) is the property of a system. Two charges in the vicinity of each other are said to have potential energy.

The electric potential energy associated with two charges separated by a distance $r$ is given by: $$U = \frac{kq_1q_2}{r}$$

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