What is the Difference Between Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy?

Electric potential and electric potential energy are related concepts in electrostatics, but they have distinct meanings and applications. Here are the key differences between the two:

Electric Potential: This is a scalar quantity that represents the potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is expressed in units of volts (V) and can be calculated using the formula: $$V = \frac{Energy}{Charge}$$. Electric potential is a property of a specific point in space surrounding a charged object.
Electric Potential Energy: This is the total potential energy possessed by a unit charge in an electric field. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in joules (J). Electric potential energy depends on the electric charge and its relative position with other electrically charged objects.

In summary:

Electric potential is the potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field.
Electric potential energy is the total potential energy possessed by a unit charge in an electric field.

To relate the two concepts, the potential difference (or voltage) between two points in an electric field can be calculated by dividing the change in potential energy by the charge: $$\Delta V = \frac{\Delta \mathrm{PE}}{q}$$. This relationship is fundamental in understanding the behavior of charges in electric fields.

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What is the Difference Between Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy?

Comparative Table: Electric Potential vs Electric Potential Energy

Electric potential and electric potential energy are related but distinct concepts in electrostatics. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Electric Potential	Electric Potential Energy
Definition: Potential difference (or voltage) is the change in potential energy of a charge moved from one point to another, divided by the charge.	Electric potential energy is the energy stored in a charge due to its position in an electric field.
Units: Volts (V).	Joules (J).
Description: Electric potential is the energy per unit charge.	Electric potential energy is the total energy stored in a charge due to its position in an electric field.
Formula: $$\Delta V = \frac{\Delta PE}{q}$$ where $$\Delta V$$ is the potential difference, $$\Delta PE$$ is the change in potential energy, and $$q$$ is the charge.	$$U = k \cdot \frac{Q \cdot q}{r}$$ where $$U$$ is the electric potential energy, $$k$$ is Coulomb's constant, $$Q$$ is the charge creating the potential, and $$r$$ is the distance from the charge.

In summary, electric potential (or voltage) is the energy per unit charge, while electric potential energy is the total energy stored in a charge due to its position in an electric field. Electric potential is calculated using the potential difference formula, while electric potential energy is calculated using the energy formula.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.